Israel to Close West Bank Crossings During Election Amid Security Crackdown

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said all crossings connecting the West Bank with Israel would be closed on election day, and Palestinian workers would be barred from entering Israeli settlements and industrial zones during the period. The restrictions also include a ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley.

The move comes amid heightened security concerns following an attack in which two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in the West Bank. Three other soldiers were wounded in the incident, and the attackers were later killed by Israeli forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major security operation on Friday in response to the attack, vowing to intensify efforts against militant activity in the territory.

The latest measures are expected to further affect Palestinian workers, many of whom rely on jobs in Israel and Israeli industrial zones. Before the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, more than 100,000 Palestinians held permits allowing them to work inside Israel. Since then, only a small proportion of those permits have been reinstated.

Security operations in the West Bank have expanded in recent days, particularly in Hebron, where Israeli military activities have included demolitions of homes and businesses. Reports indicate that hundreds of Palestinian families have been displaced as a result of the ongoing operations.

Israeli authorities say the restrictions are necessary to maintain security during the election period and prevent potential attacks, while Palestinian officials and rights groups have previously argued that such measures place significant economic and humanitarian pressure on local communities.

The closures are expected to remain in effect throughout election day, with authorities set to review the situation based on security assessments.