The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it would impose restrictions on the movement of Palestinian workers in the days before Tuesday's national election and that crossings between Israel and the occupied West Bank would be closed on election day.
In a brief announcement, the IDF outlined the planned limitations on movement but did not provide detailed public figures on how many people would be affected or the exact checkpoints that would be shut. The measures were presented as temporary security steps linked to the electoral timetable.
Thousands of Palestinians hold permits allowing them to cross from the West Bank into Israel for work, and limitations on crossings typically have immediate economic and daily-life consequences for those who rely on such movement. Humanitarian organisations and employers have in the past warned about the impact of sudden closures, though the IDF statement did not address mitigation steps for affected workers.
Media reports have characterised the announcement as part of a broader escalation of security operations in the West Bank in recent weeks. The government and military have said heightened security measures are intended to protect public safety during politically sensitive periods, while critics contend that such steps can deepen tensions and disrupt civilian life.
The crossings closure is scheduled to coincide with election day to restrict entry and exit between the West Bank and Israel, according to the IDF. Further details, including the duration of any post-electoral restrictions or exceptions for emergency movements, were not released in the initial statement.
Political parties, civil society groups and international actors often monitor security-related restrictions around Israeli elections closely, given their potential ramifications for both voters and neighbouring Palestinian communities. Observers will be watching for any additional announcements from military or government authorities as the vote approaches.