Israeli authorities ordered a full closure of the West Bank starting Friday following the prevention of a planned major attack, security officials said. The move came after Israeli forces intercepted a shooting incident on Friday that left five people injured, some critically, in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency Security Cabinet meeting after the incident. He described the thwarted attack as an attempt by Hamas to kill innocent civilians, praising the Israeli soldiers who stopped it. Details of the planned assault were not disclosed. The Israeli military reported that a large cache of ammunition was found in a vehicle connected to the gunmen, which was intended for use in a broader attack. Security forces conducted extensive operations throughout the West Bank, arresting dozens of individuals linked to Hamas and other militant groups, and seizing weapons including M16 rifles and submachine guns.
The closure of Hebron and the wider West Bank is part of Israel’s heightened security measures ahead of Tuesday’s general election, which experts say is being dominated by voter concerns over national security rather than the economy. Polling from the Israel Democracy Institute indicated that among Jewish voters, security is a chief concern, slightly surpassing economic issues. Former Israeli ambassador Yuval Rotem described security as the overriding factor for Israelis following the October 7 attacks, emphasizing that citizens are focused on immediate personal safety.
Despite the security tensions, Israel’s economy remains comparatively strong. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects Israel’s GDP to grow by 3.3 percent in 2026 and 5.6 percent in 2027, outpacing many developed countries including Australia, which forecasts slower growth. Israel’s inflation rate currently stands at 1.6 percent, significantly lower than Australia’s recent 4 percent rate, while unemployment in Israel is 2.8 percent compared to 4.7 percent in Australia. Interest rates in Israel have been cut three times recently to 3.25 percent, whereas Australia has increased rates to 4.6 percent.
Israel’s fiscal commitment to defense accounts for 7.8 percent of GDP, the highest globally outside Ukraine, reflecting the country’s prioritization of security amid regional threats. In contrast, Australia’s defense spending remains below 3 percent of GDP.
The ongoing insecurity impacts neighboring Lebanon more severely, where political instability and armed groups such as Hezbollah continue to hamper economic recovery. Lebanese experts and citizens alike cite the continued presence of non-state armed actors as a barrier to international support and investment. In refugee camps near Lebanon’s Syrian border, displaced Palestinians face severe economic hardship amid the regional turmoil.
Within Israeli society, tensions remain high. Palestinian residents in East Jerusalem have expressed concern over Israeli measures that restrict remittances to Gaza, aiming to prevent funds from reaching Hamas but affecting Palestinian families’ ability to rebuild. Meanwhile, Israeli public figures have called for an end to attacks by Israeli settlers on Arab communities, warning of the potential for further unrest.
Security analysts suggest the upcoming Israeli election will largely hinge on voters’ trust in candidates' ability to maintain security. Both Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot emphasize strong security policies, although voters are weighing the candidates’ strategic capabilities and political alliances. Some Israeli citizens, including residents directly affected by recent violence, prioritize security concerns above economic considerations in their electoral decisions.
As Israel navigates these challenges, officials continue to emphasize security measures to safeguard civilian lives, underscoring the complex interplay between national security and economic stability in the region.