Israel to Close West Bank Crossings as Hebron Operation Escalates

The Israeli military has announced that all West Bank land crossings will shut down during Tuesday's general election. Palestinian workers will also face strict bans preventing them from entering any settlements as security measures heighten across the region.

Election Day Border Closures and Worker Restrictions

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a total prohibition on movement across borders for Palestinian laborers will be enforced throughout Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley on election day. This sweeping order includes industrial zones and all land crossings. Ahead of the complete shutdown, most workers were barred from entering settlements starting Sunday, though narrow exceptions were made for specific industrial areas and a limited number of other locations.

Before the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, authorities permitted more than 100,000 Palestinian workers to enter Israel daily. Since that date, only a tiny fraction of those workers have had their entry permits restored. Al Jazeera reported that the military stated it would bar workers from most West Bank areas through Monday before enforcing the full closure on Tuesday.

The Hebron Lockdown and Mass Displacement

These border restrictions coincide with a major military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a checkpoint shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. Three other soldiers sustained injuries in the attack, and both Palestinian gunmen were killed.

In response, Israeli forces have heavily targeted Hebron and neighbouring villages, demolishing homes and businesses. Speaking during a broadcast interview with Kan, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that approximately 2,000 residents have been displaced by the operation. Al Jazeera noted that Hebron's Mayor, Yousef al-Ja'bari, placed the figure slightly higher at 2,200 displaced individuals. Online footage shows that the heavy demolitions have flattened entire streets.

Defence Minister Katz stated that displaced residents will not be permitted to return to their neighbourhoods until military operations targeting Hamas issues in Hebron are fully concluded. Al Jazeera reported that local inhabitants were given instructions to clear out via loudspeakers during the night, affording them minimal preparation time and scarce refuge alternatives.

Prior to the official entry and exit bans announced for workers, the military cordoned off Hebron completely. This blockade severely restricts the daily movement of the city's 200,000 residents. Hebron stands as the most populous area in the West Bank, with an additional 600,000 people living across the wider governorate.

Accusations of Collective Punishment

The Palestinian Authority has strongly condemned the military's actions, calling for urgent international pressure to protect the residents of Hebron. According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian Authority described the operation as collective punishment due to the widespread demolition of homes, the uprooting of local communities alongside regional sectors, and the strict blockade placed on Palestinian cities. Israeli human rights groups have long criticised the military practice of demolishing the homes of Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks, categorising the measure as collective punishment.

Political Pressures and Netanyahu's Re-Election Race

The intensifying security operations and border closures take place against the backdrop of a tight general election race. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, faces a difficult contest for a new term. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera suggest that Netanyahu is attempting to leverage broader geopolitical tensions and public safety anxieties to fortify his political campaign.

Local leadership has openly questioned the timing of the military measures. Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari told BBC News that the operation was driven by the elections, alleging that Netanyahu and his ministers are trying to win over the electoral backing of right-wing voters and settlers. In an interview with i24 television, Netanyahu went further by warning of an unexpected and profound shock awaiting the Palestinian Authority.

Amid the election build-up, thousands of demonstrators assembled in Tel Aviv for a massive protest event against the government. BBC News reported that the October Council organised the demonstration to mark three years of struggle following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The group, founded by families of victims and hostages, used the rally to demand accountability, the truth regarding security failures, and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.

The Tel Aviv demonstration saw high-profile attendance from the heads of the primary parliamentary opposition groups. Among the participants was Gadi Eisenkot, who previously served as the head of the military forces and whose political faction is running neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's vote.

Mass Anti-Government Protests in Tel Aviv

Syed Aqeel — verified this story.