Israel launches major West Bank offensive days before election, displacing 2,000 Palestinians in Hebron
Israel launched a major military offensive in the occupied West Bank days before its parliamentary election, with troops entering Hebron and displacing around 2,000 Palestinians from their homes. The operation follows a deadly Palestinian attack on two Israeli soldiers near Hebron on Friday. Defense Minister Israel Katz said displaced Palestinians cannot return until issues with Hamas in Hebron are resolved, while the military reported about 40 suspects arrested, including alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad members. All West Bank crossings will close on election day Tuesday, with Palestinian worker travel banned. The offensive comes as thousands protested in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with polls showing a tight race between his Likud party and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's alliance. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, where over 1,110 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.