Israeli Military Conducts Massive West Bank Operation Ahead of Election

An ongoing Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank has resulted in movement restrictions and displacement following a fatal gun attack in Hebron. According to reported figures and official statements, the operation follows an incident that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others on Friday.

Military Actions and Closures

The Israeli military reported operating in over 400 locations over the weekend and arresting 40 individuals alleged to be affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In response to the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a closure of the West Bank, restricting crossings into Israel until after the upcoming elections. Palestinian workers holding permits will generally not be permitted to enter Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Sunday and Monday.

Displacement and Humanitarian Impact

Hebron municipal officials stated that the military operation displaced more than 2,200 people, including nearly 300 children under the age of 18, affecting nearly 500 apartments in Deir Bahha and surrounding neighbourhoods.

• City entrances and exits remain sealed, according to local officials.
• Residents have faced severe movement restrictions, navigating checkpoints on foot.
• Local businesses and a mosque have been shuttered due to the blockade.

Context and Verification

The operation unfolds in the final days before a tense Israeli election, which is viewed as a referendum on the security policies of the current government. Official claims regarding the security situation and arrests can be verified through statements issued by the Israeli military and local municipal authorities in Hebron. Readers are advised to consult official updates and international news reports for further developments.