Election-day crossing closure announced
Israel said on Sunday that all land crossings with the West Bank would close on the day of next week’s election, according to SCMP. The announcement sets out a scheduled restriction tied specifically to election day.
The decision follows earlier preparations for broader restrictions. CNN, in a report published by KRDO, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially announced a full West Bank closure starting Friday. Hours later, he said he would consider a cordon around Hebron and Halhul that could extend to other areas. The Israel Defense Forces said it had imposed a full siege on Hebron.
Demolitions and displacement in Hebron
Israeli forces have demolished structures and required residents to leave part of Hebron during an operation launched following a shooting in which two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and lightly wounded three others, according to the IDF account reported by CNN. The military and the Israel Security Agency said the operation included searches, questioning and efforts to locate weapons and what they described as militant infrastructure.
The BBC reported that Palestinian families had been displaced as Israeli forces demolished homes in Hebron. CNN said demolitions began in the Farsh al-Hawa area and reported that residents were directed to use three designated exit points, where they would undergo questioning and security screening.
Hebron city authorities estimated that about 500 families, comprising roughly 2,500 residents, were affected. That local estimate has not been independently verified. The Israeli military and security agency said structures they considered illegal and a potential security threat were being demolished.