Israeli Army Closes West Bank Crossings Ahead of Elections as Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv

The Israeli military announced the closure of all border crossings with the West Bank and Jordan Valley for the entire day of Tuesday, October 27, coinciding with legislative elections, barring Palestinian workers from transit. The closure follows a major military operation in the area launched after the killing of two Israeli soldiers earlier this week. Separately, around 2,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes in Hebron, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating they will not return until Hamas-related issues are resolved. Thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv three days before the vote, which is seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The "October Council," founded by relatives of 2023 Hamas attack victims, demanded an independent state inquiry commission, a request the government has rejected. Polls show Netanyahu's right-wing bloc in a tight race against the centrist bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, with neither appearing to secure a Knesset majority.