Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day as crackdown escalates
Israel has announced a total closure of West Bank crossings and a ban on Palestinian workers entering settlements ahead of the upcoming national election. This move follows a violent escalation in the region, including the killing of two Israeli soldiers and subsequent military operations in Hebron.
Why it matters
The restrictions significantly impact the livelihoods of thousands of Palestinians and reflect the heightened security tensions and political volatility surrounding the Israeli election.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, An Israeli army vehicle passes near the closed entrance of Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank
All West Bank land crossings will be closed during Tuesday's election in Israel, the country's military says, and Palestinian workers will be barred from entering all settlements.
The restrictions come amid a crackdown in the occupied West Bank after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in the territory.
The Israel Defense Forces announced a "ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley, including industrial zones, as well as the closure of all land crossings" on Tuesday.
It said most workers would also be barred from settlements from Sunday, with the exception of industrial zones and a limited number of other areas.
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