Israel has imposed a full blockade on the West Bank, closing all land crossings as it prepares for its general election. The move comes days after Israeli forces conducted raids in Hebron following an attack by Palestinian gunmen that killed two Israeli soldiers. The operation is part of a broader security crackdown aimed at addressing perceived threats ahead of the vote.
The Israeli military has closed crossings into and out of the West Bank, barring Palestinian workers from entering Israeli communities. The move follows a day of raids in Hebron, where over 2,000 residents were forcibly displaced. Israeli officials have stated that the operation will last several days and that residents will not be allowed to return until all 'Hamas issues' in the area are resolved.
The blockade is part of a broader security crackdown in the West Bank, with Israeli leaders vowing a tough response to perceived threats. The operation is being carried out days before the election, with officials emphasizing the need to address security concerns ahead of the vote. The move has drawn criticism from Palestinian authorities, who have called it 'collective punishment' and urged international attention to the situation.