Israel to Close West Bank Crossings on Election Day as Hebron Lockdown Continues
Israel's army says it will shut all West Bank land crossings on Tuesday's election day and bar Palestinian workers, as a Hebron lockdown displaces thousands.
The story in focus
Israel's army said it will close all West Bank land crossings on Tuesday's election day and bar Palestinian workers from most areas from Sunday, after imposing a Hebron lockdown that displaced about 2,000 people following a deadly attack on soldiers.
- The Israeli army said all West Bank land crossings will close on Tuesday, election day, and Palestinian workers will be barred from most areas from Sunday.
- The restrictions follow Friday's attack by two Palestinian gunmen on an Israeli army reserve base that killed two soldiers; both attackers were killed.
- Defence Minister Israel Katz said about 2,000 people were displaced in Hebron and would not return until Hamas-related issues there are resolved.
- Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari put the number displaced at 2,200 and said the city and several neighbouring villages were under a complete blockade.
- The Palestinian Authority called Israel's actions collective punishment and urged international pressure to protect Hebron residents.
Crossings closed for the vote
Israel's army announced on Sunday that all land crossings into and out of the occupied West Bank will be shut on Tuesday, the day of the general election. Palestinian workers will be barred from most West Bank areas from Sunday through Monday, with exceptions for some industrial zones and a limited number of other areas.
Before the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, more than 100,000 Palestinian workers held permits to enter Israel; since then only a small fraction have been restored. The military said the operation in Hebron would last several days.
Hebron lockdown and displacement
The measures follow Friday's attack by two Palestinian gunmen on an Israeli army reserve base, which killed two Israeli soldiers; the gunmen were also killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank, and Defence Minister Israel Katz said about 2,000 people had been displaced.
Katz said residents would not be allowed to return until Hamas-related issues in Hebron are dealt with. Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari said the city and several neighbouring villages were under a complete blockade and that 2,200 people had been forced from their homes. The Palestinian Authority called the actions collective punishment. About 200,000 Palestinians live in Hebron.
Election backdrop
The closures come three days before a vote in which Netanyahu faces a tight race. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said he is seeking to draw on security fears during the campaign. On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for an anti-government demonstration organised by the October Council.
How many people did Israel's defence minister say were displaced in Hebron?
Defence Minister Israel Katz said about 2,000 people had been displaced by the Hebron operation, while Hebron's mayor said 2,200 residents had been forced from their homes.
Sources & further reading
- Israel to close occupied West Bank crossings as it locks down Hebron ↗Al Jazeera
- Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day as crackdown escalates ↗BBC News
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