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Israeli operations in the West Bank

Factlen Newsroom· Updated

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Israeli soldiers guard a closed checkpoint in the West Bank as a comprehensive lockdown is enforced ahead of the national election.From: Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election

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By 04:25 UTC on October 26, the Israel Defense Forces had sealed all land crossings and barred Palestinian workers from settlements. The sweeping restrictions will remain in place through Tuesday's national election. The lockdown follows intense pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from right-wing coalition partners ahead of a tight reelection race.

The border closures coincide with an ongoing military operation in Hebron that has displaced approximately 2,000 Palestinian residents and resulted in 40 arrests. By 05:22 UTC on October 25, Israeli forces had sealed off the city and ordered mass evacuations. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the displaced residents will not be allowed to return until the military finishes its security sweep.

How the story developed

The escalation began on October 23 when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the Farsh al-Hawa military checkpoint west of Hebron. The attack killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others before the gunmen were killed by responding soldiers.

Following the shootout, the military reported finding a large quantity of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle, which suggested a larger planned assault.

The phased closure affects thousands of Palestinian workers who hold permits for Israeli settlements.From: Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election ·

By 14:41 UTC on October 23, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to immediately cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full closure of the occupied West Bank. The violence occurred just four days before Israel's national elections, prompting Netanyahu to cancel his political events.

As the military campaign expanded to include home demolitions, Hebron's mayor and human rights organizations condemned the actions. They stated the measures amounted to illegal collective punishment against the city's residents.

The military operation in Hebron has resulted in mass displacement and widespread searches.From: Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election ·

What to watch

  • Israel will hold its national election on Tuesday.
  • The Israeli military must finish its security sweep in Hebron before displaced residents are allowed to return.
  • The closure of all land crossings and the ban on Palestinian workers in settlements will remain in effect through Tuesday's election.

Charts, maps and images

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tight reelection race amid heightened security pressures.From: Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election ·
The military crackdown coincides with the annual olive harvest, which has seen increased detentions of international activists.From: Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election ·
Hundreds of Palestinian families were given only hours to pack their belongings and evacuate their homes in western Hebron.From: Israeli Military Operation in Hebron Displaces 2,000 Palestinians Following Deadly Checkpoint Attack ·
Israeli military bulldozers have begun razing structures in the Deir Bahha and al-Jalda neighborhoods.From: Israeli Military Operation in Hebron Displaces 2,000 Palestinians Following Deadly Checkpoint Attack ·
The Ibrahimi Mosque has been shut down by Israeli forces, with custodians removed and the call to prayer banned.From: Israeli Military Operation in Hebron Displaces 2,000 Palestinians Following Deadly Checkpoint Attack ·
The military closure restricts movement across the West Bank, shutting gates and checkpoints connecting Palestinian villages to major roads.From: Israel Orders West Bank Lockdown After Hebron Checkpoint Shooting Leaves Five Wounded ·
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Illustration: The attack and subsequent lockdown have pushed national security to the forefront of the Israeli election campaign.From: Israel Orders West Bank Lockdown After Hebron Checkpoint Shooting Leaves Five Wounded ·

Timeline

October 2026

  1. Israel Enforces West Bank Lockdown and Border Closures Ahead of National Election
  2. Israeli Military Operation in Hebron Displaces 2,000 Palestinians Following Deadly Checkpoint Attack
  3. Israel Orders West Bank Lockdown After Hebron Checkpoint Shooting Leaves Five Wounded