Israeli military closing West Bank crossings ahead of upcoming elections as massive operation continues

Updated on: October 26, 2026 / 7:40 AM EDT / CBS/AP

The Israeli military continued a massive operation in the occupied West Bank, placing major restrictions on movement ahead of Israel's upcoming elections.

The operation, which comes in response to a shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others in Hebron on Friday, has displaced hundreds of Palestinians over the last two days.

In Hebron, more than 2,700 people have been displaced from their homes, including hundreds of children, Palestinian officials said Sunday. Since Friday's attack, all entrances and exits to the city have remained sealed, with the epicenter of the operation in Deir Bahha and another part of the city called Al-Jalda, according to Hebron Mayor Yousef Zuhair Al-Jabari.

"People cannot reach or enter the city, and they cannot leave it. The blockade has affected every aspect of life," Al-Jabari said.

The Israeli military said it operated in more than 400 different locations over the weekend and arrested 40 Palestinians it claimed were affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Additionally, the Israeli military said most Palestinian workers with permits will not be allowed to enter Israeli settlements for work on Sunday and Monday, and crossings…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/