Israel, Palestine: Israel to increase security, close border crossings to the Palestinian Territories during March 23 legislative elections

Event

Israeli forces will heighten security in key areas of Israel and the Palestinian Territories during the country's March 23 legislative elections. Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, and other major population centers. Access to holy sites, such as the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, is usually restricted during elections.

As part of the elevated security posture, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will close all border crossings to the West Bank and Gaza Strip from 00:01 March 23 through 00:01 March 24. The military routinely closes border crossings between Israel and the Palestinian Territories for elections and national holidays. Security will also likely be increased along the Green Line (the 1967 border with the West Bank). While exceptions may be made to allow passage for urgent medical cases or other humanitarian needs, freedom of movement to and from the Palestinian Territories will be extremely limited.

Israeli security forces will be on high alert across Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Severe transport disruptions and delays are highly likely on March 23. Palestinians may clash with Israeli security forces at checkpoints throughout the West Bank. Clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the region are also possible.

Context

Israel’s March 23 elections are the fourth within the span of two years. The election comes amid an ongoing political deadlock, as neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party nor any of the opposing parties have managed to form a governing coalition with a stable majority. Parliament voted to dissolve itself in December 2020 after disagreements between Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz over a state budget caused their fragile coalition to collapse. Opinion polls predict another close race, raising the possibility of an inconclusive result and continued deadlock.

Advice

Allow additional time for travel through Israel and the Palestinian Territories on March 23. Avoid unnecessary travel within 10 km (6 miles) of the Gaza buffer zone. Ensure all travel and vehicle documents are in order. Heed the advice of authorities, including officers at security checkpoints. Avoid loitering near polling sites, security checkpoints, and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass any security checkpoint; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt Israeli security forces to respond aggressively.