IDF imposes blockades on West Bank cities on Election Day, amid terror attack concerns

The IDF also decided on Monday night to reinforce troops along the security barrier amid concerns that terrorists could infiltrate Israel.Follow us on GoogleIDF soldiers take part in a military operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, October 25, 2026(photo credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)OCTOBER 27, 2026 12:03The IDF began imposing special blockades on West Bank cities on Monday night ahead of the elections, in an effort to reduce friction between Israelis and Palestinians.Troops stationed along the security barrier have been reinforced amid concerns over potential terrorist attacks, while additional security forces will be deployed to hiking sites throughout the West Bank.Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division, has been overseeing operations in several locations over the past 24 hours as part of preparations for Election Day.The first measure involves imposing "breathing closures" and temporary roadblocks that allow controlled movement around cities, towns, and villages identified as potential flashpoints for violence.The IDF expects many Israelis to visit hiking sites in the area during the Election Day public holiday. As a result, additional troops will be deployed to secure hiking areas where visits have been coordinated in advance.IDF troops operate at the scene of a terror attack in the West Bank on October 23, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)These measures are being implemented alongside operations led by the Paratroopers Brigade headquarters, under the command of Col. Roi Zweig, to combat nationalist crime in the Shiloh Valley, within the Binyamin Regional Brigade's area of responsibility.However, overnight, security forces were unable to prevent incidents of settler violence in the Binyamin region, including the torching of Palestinian vehicles.IDF working to prevent terror attack on Election DayMeanwhile, troops from the Judea and Samaria Division launched arrest operations in the Qalqilya, Jenin and Nablus districts to increase pressure on the ground amid fears of terrorist attacks. Security forces also conducted field interrogations and warned individuals accused of incitement.A security official told Walla on Tuesday morning that IDF engineering forces were preparing to demolish illegal structures, terrorists' homes and monuments as part of efforts to combat incitement to terrorism and prevent potential copycat attacks.The IDF also decided on Monday night to reinforce troops along the security barrier amid concerns that terrorists could infiltrate Israel.Heller also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among security agencies on Election Day, including the Israel Police, the Israel Border Police in the West Bank and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).The increased coordination is intended to ensure a rapid operational response to any incidents that may arise.Follow us on Google