Israel shuts West Bank crossings for election as Hebron operations intensify
Israel’s military says it will close all land crossings into and out of the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, the day of Israel’s election, and bar Palestinian workers from entering settlements. The measures come as Israeli forces intensify operations in Hebron following the killing of two Israeli soldiers, tightening restrictions on movement and deepening displacement.
The military said most workers would also be barred from settlements from Sunday, with limited exceptions. Before the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack, more than 100,000 Palestinian workers were permitted to enter Israel; only a small fraction have since had permits restored. Israel’s defence minister said about 2,000 people had been displaced in the Hebron operation, while the city’s mayor accused the government of acting to win support from far-right voters and settlers ahead of the election.
In short
- West Bank crossings will close on Israeli election day.
- Palestinian workers face new restrictions on entering settlements.
- About 2,000 people have been displaced in the Hebron operation.
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The case for
Israel can argue that temporarily closing crossings on election day and restricting access to settlements are precautionary security measures, especially after two soldiers were killed and while forces pursue operations in Hebron. On this view, the state has a duty to reduce risks to civilians and security personnel, and may prioritise that duty even when restrictions impose serious hardship.
The case against
Critics can argue that broad movement restrictions and intensified operations punish many Palestinians who pose no security threat, disrupt livelihoods and deepen displacement. The timing also gives grounds to question whether the measures are proportionate and driven by security needs, particularly given the mayor’s allegation that the government is seeking support from far-right voters and settlers.
Explained simply
The West Bank is a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, where Israeli settlements and Palestinian towns sit under different systems of control. Israel operates crossings into and out of the territory and issues permits for Palestinians to work in Israel and in settlements.
Israel’s military says its restrictions are linked to election-day security measures and operations in Hebron after two Israeli soldiers were killed. The measures affect Palestinian workers and residents who rely on crossings to travel for work and daily life.
The restrictions come amid wider limits on Palestinian movement since the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza. Displacement in Hebron and the timing of the measures have drawn competing claims about their purpose, including from local officials and Israeli political figures.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day as crackdown escalates”.