Israel Seals West Bank Crossings Ahead of Election Amid Palestinian Crackdown...
BBC NewsOctober 25, 2026
Israel's military is sealing the West Bank on Tuesday's election day, closing all land crossings and blocking Palestinian workers from entering settlements—a move that affects tens of thousands who rely on cross-border employment. The closure follows Friday's killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen, which triggered a major military operation in Hebron that has already displaced about 2,000 residents through home demolitions. The timing raises questions about politics: with the election days away and Netanyahu facing a close race against former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, critics argue the crackdown targets far-right voters and settlers rather than security alone.