The Israeli military has announced the closure of all West Bank land crossings on election day, as well as restrictions on the movement of Palestinian workers. This move is part of a broader crackdown in the occupied West Bank following the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen.
What happened
The Israel Defense Forces has banned the entry and exit of Palestinian workers from the West Bank, with some exceptions, and will close all land crossings on Tuesday. The restrictions come after two Israeli soldiers were killed and three injured in an attack on a checkpoint. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major operation, which has resulted in the demolition of homes and businesses in the city of Hebron, displacing hundreds of families.
The Israeli military has been criticized by rights groups for its practice of demolishing the homes of Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks on Israelis, which is seen as collective punishment. The operation has also been criticized by the Mayor of Hebron, who claims it is being driven by the upcoming election and an attempt to secure votes from the far right and settlers.
