Israel to close all West Bank crossings on election day

Hebron, Israel declared on Sunday that all land crossings with the West Bank would be closed on the day of next week's election. This came after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in the territory. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that residents would not be allowed to return until Hamas issues in Hebron were addressed.

Hamas did not claim responsibility for the killings but condemned the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond with a heavy price. The Israeli army announced that Palestinians would not be allowed to enter Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, and would face a ban on entry and exit throughout Election Day on October 27.

Over the weekend, Israeli forces operated in 40 areas, evacuating residents and apprehending suspects. The West Bank operation is being conducted in the days leading up to the election, as Netanyahu faces a tight race for re-election.