In brief
In the run‑up to Israel’s election, the IDF announced a ban on Palestinian workers and shut all West bank crossings, a move that followed an armed shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces demolished homes in Hebron, displacing hundreds of residents and drawing criticism as collective punishment. The crackdown has escalated with the Israeli government threatening a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority and boosting far‑right support in the polls. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv in a protest for accountability, while the vote proceeds amid a tense political climate.
In a move that will affect thousands, Israel has announced that all West Bank land crossings will be closed on Tuesday as the country heads to the polls for a national election.
The Israeli Defense Forces also imposed a ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria, including settlements and industrial zones.
These restrictions follow last month’s fatal shooting at a checkpoint in Hebron, where two Israeli soldiers were killed and a third wounded before the attackers were neutralised.
Since the Hamas‑led assault on 7 October 2023, the number of Palestinian workers allowed into Israel has fallen sharply, with only a small fraction of permits being restored.
Israeli troops have begun demolishing homes in Hebron, displacing around two thousand residents and flattening entire streets, a practice that human rights groups accuse of collective punishment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the government would launch a major operation in response to the attack, while his officials also hinted at a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority.
Hebron Mayor Youssef al‑Jaabari said the operation was driven by the elections and aimed to secure votes for the far‑right settlers.
Meanwhile, anti‑government demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv, organised by the October Council, demanding accountability for the failure to stop the January 2024 attack.
Protest organisers announced a culminating rally in three days to mark three years of the struggle for truth and justice, with leaders from the four main opposition parties expected to attend.
