Israel raises security alert and restricts Palestinian workers ahead of elections

Israel has raised its security alert level ahead of Tuesday's elections and imposed restrictions on Palestinian workers, including banning their entry into West Bank settlements on Sunday and Monday and imposing a general closure on election day. The Israeli military announced the restrictions on Palestinian workers entering settlements and work zones in the West Bank and Jordan Valley, except for industrial areas, amid fears of potential attacks. A security closure on Hebron and Halhul remains in place following Friday's attack. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a full ban on soldiers leaving their bases from Thursday until election day, based on a multi-front security assessment with senior commanders, citing concerns that attacks could aim to influence the election process.