Israel has closed all land crossings with the occupied West Bank ahead of its general election, as a full lockdown in Hebron continues. The move comes after Israeli forces displaced hundreds of families in the area following a deadly attack on an Israeli military base. The closure is set to last until the election day, with Israeli officials citing security concerns related to the Hebron conflict.
The Israeli military has imposed a complete blockade on Hebron, displacing over 2,000 residents from their homes and enforcing a full closure of crossings into and out of the territory. The operation follows a deadly attack by two Palestinian gunmen on an Israeli army reserve base, which killed two Israeli soldiers and resulted in a significant security response. Israeli officials have stated that the operation will last several days and that further action is planned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged a strong security response in Hebron, with officials stating that displaced residents will not be allowed to return until all Hamas-related issues in the area are resolved. The election, which is critical for Netanyahu's re-election, is seen as an opportunity to capitalize on ongoing security tensions and regional conflicts. Analysts suggest that the military operations are part of a broader strategy to bolster Netanyahu's political position ahead of the vote.