Israel to close West Bank crossings for election day following fatal Hebron attack and military operation

Israeli forces increased security measures after a shooting attack near Hebron on October 23, 2026. The attack killed two Israeli soldiers. Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to demolish the attackers' family homes and evacuate the neighborhood, though the High Court later issued a temporary injunction against the demolitions. Hebron and neighboring villages remain under a complete military blockade.

1. The Israeli military announced the closure of all land border crossings between the West Bank and Israel for the parliamentary election on October 27, 2026.

2. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that displaced Palestinians from Hebron will not return to their homes until the military addresses Hamas-related issues. The military operation began on October 23, 2026, following the killing of two soldiers.

3. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the demolition of illegal West Bank structures following the shooting attack on October 23, 2026. The military reported operations in 40 West Bank areas on October 23 and October 24, 2026.

4. Israeli forces apprehended approximately 40 suspects during the operation. Some individuals have ties to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. The military stated these actions address regional security threats.

1. The Palestinian Authority describes Israeli military operations as collective punishment. These operations include home demolitions and city sieges. These measures affect the general population across the West Bank.

2. Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Jabari stated that approximately 2,200 people have been forced from their homes since the military operation began on October 23, 2026. The city and neighboring villages remain under a complete blockade.

3. Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari alleged that the upcoming elections drive the current military operation to secure votes from the far right and settlers.

4. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on October 24, 2026, for an anti-government demonstration organized by the October Council. Protesters demanded accountability for the government's failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack.