Israel Shuts West Bank Crossings and Evicts Residents Following Soldier Deaths

UPDATE - follow-up to Israel to close all land crossings with West Bank on election day: Israel will shut all land crossings with the West Bank on election day amid heightened security measures following a deadly shooting.

Military Actions And Evacuations

Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others at a checkpoint on Friday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a heavy response and announced plans for a large-scale operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that about 2,000 residents displaced from Hebron will not return until Hamas issues in the city are resolved. The Israeli Army operated in 40 areas across the territory over the weekend and detained around 40 suspects linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures after the attack.

Worker Bans And Election Closures

Starting Sunday, Palestinians cannot enter Israeli communities or industrial zones in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley for work. A complete ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers applies across these regions, leading up to the full closure of all land crossings on election day. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a tight election race while seeking a new term.

Context

These strict measures highlight the ongoing security tensions in the West Bank, particularly during high-stakes political events. The region has experienced frequent military actions and strict access controls by Israeli forces to counter militant threats.