In brief
The Israel Defence Forces announced a sweeping ban on the movement of Palestinian workers and the closure of all West Bank land crossings on election day, reflecting a broader crackdown after the killing of Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen. The decision follows a pattern of arrests, house demolitions and restrictions in Hebron, where an estimated 2,000 residents have been displaced. Netanyahu’s administration has warned of a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority, citing the need to secure far‑right and settler votes. Anti‑government protests in Tel Aviv, organized by the October Council, called for accountability ahead of the polls. The move deepens tensions in the already volatile region, as the country heads into a critical political moment.
Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day – The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has announced that all land crossings into and out of the West Bank will be shut from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the morning of the country’s national election. The ban includes a wide restriction on Palestinian workers who normally fill industrial sites and other jobs in Israel.
The move follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers and injury to a third in an attack on a checkpoint, which sparked an intensified response from Israeli troops. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a major operation launched on Friday would target suspected gunmen and "…secure the interests of the country".
In Hebron, the IDF has cordoned off the city and demolished several houses, displacing an estimated 2,000 residents. The demolitions continue a pattern of collective punishment critics say is aimed at suppressing dissent in the occupied territory.
Netanyahu’s threat of a "very big surprise" for the Palestinian Authority comes as the Israeli election looms, with opposition leaders like Gadi Eisenkot campaigning ahead of the vote. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered on Saturday for a rally organized by the October Council, demanding accountability for the Hamas‑led attack that began on 7 October 2023.
Amid these developments, the IDF says most Palestinian workers will be barred from settlements from Sunday, except for those employed in industrial zones. The restrictions highlight the escalating tension between Israel and the Palestinians, with the political landscape poised for a decision that could reshape the region’s future.
