Palestinian officials plead to foreign governments as Israelis return to the polls

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is urging international governments to take “clear and firm positions” on escalating violence in the West Bank just days before Israel’s parliamentary election. A day after attacks by Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers, Israel imposed widespread closures, with more than 1,000 residents displaced in the city of Hebron.All gates leading in and out of the city were closed to vehicles, according to Basma Radio, a Telegram channel Palestinians use to monitor checkpoints and road closures. Hebron’s mayor accused the Israelis of laying siege to his city.On Friday, Israel’s army said that in response to the attacks, its forces had begun “conducting precise, targeted and thorough searches” in the area where the gunmen had operated.In a statement on social media, Palestine’s Foreign Ministry said Israel’s actions included the “forced displacement and destruction, and the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque sanctuary.” Story continues below advertisement The ministry accused the Israeli army of targeting Palestinian citizens and their properties, warning against a repetition of what it called the “ongoing crimes in the Gaza Strip.”The statement said Israel is “...