Israeli officials have repeatedly warned the country’s enemies against attempting to exploit the politically sensitive election period.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel will impose sweeping restrictions on Palestinian workers in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley ahead of Tuesday’s national election, as the IDF goes on heightened alert amid repeated warnings of potential attacks.
Following a security assessment, authorities decided that beginning Sunday and continuing through Monday, Palestinian workers will be barred from entering Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley.
Industrial zones and several other specifically approved areas will initially be exempt from the restrictions.
On Election Day itself, however, significantly tighter measures will take effect.
At the recommendation of the security establishment, Israel’s political leadership approved a complete ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley on Tuesday, Oct. 27, including workers employed in industrial zones.
All land crossings will also be closed throughout Election Day.
The measures are part of a broader security buildup surrounding the election, with the IDF preparing for potential attacks or other attempts to disrupt voting.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered the cancellation of soldiers’ leave ahead of the election as part of measures designed to maintain a high level of readiness across multiple fronts.
The military has also increased the presence of senior commanders at command centers and headquarters and prepared additional forces for deployment, including reinforcements to Central Command.
Zamir said the IDF’s mission is to ensure that Israel’s democratic election can take place on schedule and safely, stressing that the military is maintaining heightened vigilance and readiness across all sectors.
Israeli officials have repeatedly warned the country’s enemies against attempting to exploit the politically sensitive election period.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently issued a direct warning while visiting an Israeli Air Force base.
“We have the readiness, determination and ability to strike our enemies at any moment necessary,” Netanyahu said.
“I say to our enemies: Do not test us. You will receive blows much heavier than what you have suffered so far.”
The heightened precautions come just days after a Hamas-affiliated shooting attack near Hebron killed two IDF soldiers and wounded three other people, prompting a major counterterrorism operation across Judea and Samaria.
The Palestinian worker restrictions, military reinforcements and Election Day closure reflect the extensive security measures being put in place as Israelis head to the polls Tuesday.
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