In brief
In a move that escalated already volatile conditions, the Israel Defence Forces announced that all West Bank land crossings would be shut for the duration of the upcoming national election. The IDF imposed a ban on Palestinian workers entering settlement areas, a restriction unprecedented in the post-October 7 context. The curfew has followed a fatal shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers and led to demolition of several Palestinian homes in Hebron, displacing roughly 2,000 residents. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Tel Aviv, with opposition leaders galvanizing anti-government demonstrations that spotlight the political stakes for Netanyahu, who warns a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority. The tightening clampdown echoes long‑standing conflict dynamics and raises concerns of collective punishment amid looming political contests.
All West Bank land crossings will be closed during Tuesday's election in Israel, the military says, adding that Palestinian workers will be barred from entering settlements.
The restrictions come after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in a checkpoint attack, prompting the IDF to enforce a ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers across Judea, Samaria, the Jordan Valley and industrial zones, and to close all land crossings.
More than 100,000 Palestinian workers had entered Israel before the October 7 Hamas attack; since then only a fraction have had permits restored.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding to the soldiers’ killings, announced a major operation. Israeli troops have demolished homes in Hebron, displacing families and flattening streets, criticism labeling the practice as collective punishment.
Meanwhile, the warning of a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority came from Netanyahu during an interview, while opposition leaders eyed the event as an opportunity to rally support.
Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for an anti‑government protest organised by the October Council, which demands accountability for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack.
Commentators note that the timing—just days before the election—suggests the crackdown is also political, aimed at securing votes from hard‑line settlers.
