Israel to close West Bank crossings for Knesset election day
- Israel will close all West Bank land crossings on October 27 for Knesset elections.
- Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced a ban on Palestinian workers entering industrial zones.
- Military operations in Hebron have led to the displacement of 2,000 residents.
- The crackdown follows the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in a recent attack.
- Hebron's mayor accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using the operation to gain votes.
Israel will close all land crossings with the West Bank on Tuesday, 27 October, which is the day of the Knesset elections. The Israeli army has announced a ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers across the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, including industrial zones.
Netanyahu and Katz expand military lockdown in Hebron
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yisrael Katz have announced the expansion of military operations and the imposition of a broad lockdown on Hebron and the neighbouring town of Halhul. This follows reports from the TelegraphHerald.com on 24 October that Israel imposed closures across a West Bank city following attacks.
The BBC reported that the military had cordoned off Hebron, heavily restricting the movement of its 200,000 residents even before the entry and exit bans on workers were announced.
Two thousand residents displaced as homes and shops razed
Defence Minister Yisrael Katz stated that about 2,000 Palestinians have been removed from their homes in Hebron so far. Regarding the displaced residents, Mr Katz said, "they will not be allowed to return... until we've finished dealing with all the Hamas issues in Hebron".
Hebron mayor Youssef al-Ja’bari confirmed the demolition of shops, factories, and roads in the city. These actions follow reports that Israel razed entire Palestinian neighbourhoods in the West Bank.
Military crackdown follows death of two soldiers
The current military operation began after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. Two gunmen were also killed during the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major operation on Friday in response to the deaths. The Guardian reported that Israel launched a campaign of collective punishment in Hebron following the incident. Audacy reported that Israel ordered soldiers to close off the West Bank territory as a result of the attack.
Shin Bet and Border Police search hundreds of sites
The military operation involves the Shin Bet, the Border Police, and the Civil Administration. These forces have focused their activities on the Dier Bacha and al-Jalda neighbourhoods of Hebron.
According to the Palestinian Information Center, Israeli forces searched approximately 200 sites. The searches resulted in the arrest of ten Palestinians, though no weapons or military infrastructure were discovered.
Red Crescent reports gas suffocation in Halhul
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that its crews treated nine cases of gas suffocation. The injuries occurred during an Israeli army raid on the town of Halhul in northern Hebron.
Among those treated for gas inhalation were six children.
Hebron mayor accuses government of election exploitation
Hebron mayor Youssef al-Ja’bari has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of exploiting the military operation.
He alleged that the government is using the crackdown to win settler votes ahead of the upcoming elections.
US ambassador condemns prior settler violence
The US ambassador to Israel described a West Bank settler attack on an American photojournalist as "terror".
The United States ambassador to Israel described a West Bank settler attack on an American photojournalist as "terror".
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