Israel to close occupied West Bank crossings as Hebron lockdown continues

Israel announced that it would close all land crossings with the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, the day of its general election, and bar Palestinian workers from entering most areas on Sunday and Monday. The measures follow the lockdown of Hebron and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians after Friday’s attack on an Israeli army reserve base, which killed two Israeli soldiers and the two Palestinian attackers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a “full lockdown” of the West Bank, while Defence Minister Israel Katz said about 2,000 people had been displaced. Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja’bari described the city and nearby villages as under a complete blockade and said 2,200 people had been forced from their homes.