IDF imposes special West Bank blockades ahead of Knesset vote
Troops reinforced border areas and launched arrests in three districts to manage traffic and security for the election holiday.
By Diego Salazar ·
The Israeli Defense Forces began imposing special blockades on West Bank cities on Monday night to manage movement ahead of the 26th Knesset election.
The primary goal of these measures is to reduce friction between Israelis and Palestinians during the upcoming public holiday. Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, has overseen operations in multiple locations over the past 24 hours to prepare for Election Day.
The initial strategy involves implementing breathing closures and temporary roadblocks. These restrictions allow for controlled movement around specific cities, towns, and villages that officials have identified as potential flashpoints for violence.
Security forces have also reinforced troops stationed along the security barrier. This move addresses concerns that terrorists might attempt to infiltrate Israel. Additionally, extra personnel are being deployed to hiking sites throughout the West Bank where Israeli visitors are expected to travel.
Parallel to these traffic controls, the Paratroopers Brigade headquarters is leading operations to combat nationalist crime in the Shiloh Valley. Col. Roi Zweig commands the forces operating within the Binyamin Regional Brigade area of responsibility. Despite these efforts, settler violence occurred in the Binyamin region overnight, including the torching of Palestinian vehicles.
Troops from the Judea and Samaria Division launched arrest operations in the Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus districts. These actions aim to increase pressure on the ground amid fears of terrorist attacks. Security forces conducted field interrogations and warned individuals accused of incitement.
A security official told Walla on Tuesday morning that IDF engineering forces are preparing to demolish illegal structures, homes belonging to terrorists, and monuments. This work is part of an effort to combat incitement and prevent copycat attacks. Heller emphasized the need for strengthened coordination among the Israel Police, Border Police, and the Shin Bet to ensure a rapid response to any incidents.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
