Israel orders West Bank crossings to close on election day following Hebron shooting

Israel orders West Bank crossings closed on election day

Poinews.com – Israel orders West Bank crossings to close on Tuesday, when the country holds legislative elections, following the killing of two Israeli soldiers in Hebron. The restrictions are part of heightened security measures announced by the Israel Defense Forces.

The military said Palestinian workers will be barred from travelling in or out of Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley during the election-day closure. The restrictions also apply to industrial zones and land crossings across the territory.

“Ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers to and from all of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, including industrial zones, as well as the closure of all land crossings throughout election day.”

Worker access restrictions are due to begin before the vote. From Sunday through Monday, Palestinians will generally be prevented from entering the areas for work, although industrial zones and several other authorised locations will remain exempt.

Hebron security operation follows soldiers’ deaths

The decision to close crossings comes as Israeli forces continue an operation in Hebron, where Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers earlier in the week. Israeli troops surrounded the city and launched searches for those responsible.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to seal off Hebron and impose additional security measures. Israel says the operation is intended to dismantle what it describes as terrorist infrastructure and prevent further attacks.

Hebron is among the West Bank’s most sensitive cities, with Palestinian neighbourhoods and Israeli-controlled areas in close proximity. Movement restrictions can quickly affect residents, workers and local businesses.

The IDF said civilians were allowed to leave temporarily through designated screening points to reduce risks during the operation. It denied claims that civilians had been forced to evacuate.

“To reduce the risk to civilians, civilians were permitted to temporarily leave the area through designated screening points. No civilians were forced to evacuate.”

Conflicting accounts over demolitions and displacement

Israeli forces have demolished several buildings in Hebron. The military said the structures raised security concerns and that other buildings had been constructed without authorisation.

“All other structures demolished in the area were also built illegally, and their demolition was carried out in accordance with international law in order to enforce law and order and remove potential security threats,” the IDF said.

The Palestinian News Agency Wafa reported on Sunday that more than 200 families had been displaced during the previous three days. It said around 2,500 people had left homes in the al-Jilda and Ain Deir Baha areas.

Wafa also said Israeli forces detained 20 people across the wider Hebron Governorate on Sunday. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organisation, criticised plans it said would forcibly displace Palestinian residents and cause extensive destruction.

Election-day closure coincides with Tel Aviv protests

The order affecting West Bank crossings was announced as Israel prepared for Tuesday’s election. Thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday, marching from Rabin Square towards Hostages Square.

Hostages Square was renamed after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, during which militants killed people and took hostages. The demonstration was organised by the October Council, a group formed by relatives of victims and hostages.

“This evening has given us tremendous strength, but our struggle is not yet over.”

The group said in a social-media post on Sunday that protesters should turn the demonstration’s momentum into votes on election day.

“We must now channel the incredible energy from the square into action. This coming Tuesday, we’re all going out to vote.”

Frequently asked questions

When will the West Bank crossings close? The crossings are scheduled to close on Tuesday, Israel’s election day, according to the Israeli military.

Who is affected by the restrictions? Palestinian workers travelling to or from Judea, Samaria, the Jordan Valley and industrial zones are affected, though some authorised locations remain exempt before election day.

Why did Israel order West Bank crossings closed? Israel announced the measure amid a security operation in Hebron after two Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian gunmen.