Israel plans to close West Bank crossings during Tuesday's election. The military also intensified operations in Hebron following a deadly attack.
Israel will shut all land crossings in the West Bank on Tuesday. This move coincides with the country's upcoming election. The military also banned Palestinian workers from entering most settlements.
Also, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed these strict travel rules. They apply to the Jordan Valley and other key regions. Industrial zones will face limited access as well.
Meanwhile, the military began this crackdown after two Israeli soldiers died. Palestinian gunmen attacked a checkpoint and killed them. Three other soldiers suffered injuries during that same event.
Next, the Israeli military launched a major operation in Hebron. They demolished many homes and businesses in the city. Roughly 2,000 residents lost their housing because of this action.
As a result, footage online shows entire streets destroyed. The military already cordoned off Hebron before these new bans. This restricted the daily movement of 200,000 local people.
Furthermore, Israel often destroys homes of suspected attackers. Many rights groups call this practice collective punishment. Officials claim these actions maintain security for the state.
After that, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a surprise for the Palestinian Authority. He shared this threat during a recent television interview. The Palestinian leadership governs parts of the West Bank territory.
However, critics suggest political motives drive these current actions. The Mayor of Hebron believes the government wants more votes. He thinks they aim to please far-right supporters during the election.
Finally, thousands of people protested against the government in Tel Aviv. Families of hostages organized this large event. They demand accountability for the failure to prevent past attacks.