Israel to Seal West Bank on Election Day After Soldier Deaths

Israel will impose a closure on the West Bank on Tuesday, the day of legislative elections, following the deaths of two soldiers killed by attackers earlier this week. The military announced the measure after launching a large-scale operation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Around 2,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes in Hebron on Saturday after Friday's attack by two Palestinians, who were shot dead at a crossing near the city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a political survival test in Tuesday's vote, hinted at a major operation in the West Bank, and the military confirmed a full-day ban on Palestinian worker movement and closure of all land crossings. The Palestinian Authority called for urgent international action beyond mere condemnations, citing threats of displacement and destruction. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out by a Hamas cell, and residents of the evacuated neighborhood will not be allowed to return until issues are resolved. The operation currently covers a third of Hebron, with 250 families displaced and 40 suspects arrested.