Israeli Military Conducts Drills, Intensifies West Bank Raids Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
The Israeli military began a large-scale exercise in its Central and Northern Commands on Sunday, coinciding with intensified raids in the West Bank. Over the weekend, forces raided about 40 villages and 400 locations, arresting approximately 40 suspects. Palestinian workers are barred from entering West Bank settlements during the election period, and crossings will be closed on election day, October 27.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli military began large-scale drills in Central and Northern Commands on Sunday.
- Forces conducted raids in 40 West Bank villages and 400 locations over the weekend.
- Approximately 40 suspects were arrested during the weekend West Bank operations.
- Palestinian workers banned from West Bank settlements during election period.
- Land crossings to be closed on election day, October 27.
The Israeli military announced Sunday the commencement of a large-scale exercise involving multiple army divisions and the Air Force in the Central and Northern Commands. This drill, part of the 2026 training program, aims to enhance operational readiness, learn from the recent war, and improve forces' ability to protect communities with air support. The exercise is scheduled to continue through Monday, with increased activity expected in the Central and Northern Command areas.
Concurrently, Israeli forces intensified operations in the West Bank over the weekend, conducting raids in approximately 40 villages and 400 locations. The military stated these operations, which included the Shin Bet and Border Police, targeted alleged "terrorist activities," particularly in areas associated with Hamas. Around 40 suspects were arrested, including individuals accused of belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, or of incitement and participating in confrontations.
Specific operations included the arrest of about 20 individuals in the Hebron and Halhoul area, and over 70 raids in more than ten villages by the Etzion Brigade, leading to arrests of suspects accused of planting explosive devices and planning armed activities. In the northern West Bank, forces demolished monuments honoring Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks and arrested two suspects in an assault on settlers in Burin village. A hunting rifle was also found in Silat al-Dahr.
In preparation for the upcoming Knesset elections, Israeli authorities decided to prohibit Palestinian workers from the West Bank from entering settlements in the West Bank and Jordan Valley from Sunday until Monday. All land crossings will be closed on election day, Tuesday, October 27, preventing the entry and exit of workers from these areas.
The military stated its forces will continue operations in the West Bank to prevent the strengthening of armed presence and thwart threats against settlers.
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