DOMINANT ANGLE
Lisbon relays above all the European condemnation of the total lockdown of the West Bank, recalling the illegality of the colonies and the Israeli electoral context.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
The European Union, through Anouar El Anouni, demands freedom of movement in the West Bank while acknowledging Israel's security concerns.
- 02
Netanyahu ordered the immediate lockdown of Hebron and then a "total lockdown" of the West Bank, just days before the October 27 legislative elections.
- 03
Ben Gvir called to "dismantle and demilitarize" the Palestinian Authority after the attack.
ANALYSIS
Lisbon, October 23, 2026. The Portuguese press is covering the event from the angle of the European reaction and the Israeli decision to seal off the West Bank. RTP Notícias leads with the European Union's position, which "reacts, this Friday, to the Israeli decision to 'completely' block the West Bank" and calls for the preservation of freedom of movement in the territory.
The European Commission's spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, stated in Brussels that the EU "condemns all acts of terrorism and violence against civilians." He criticized the attack in southern West Bank, which killed two Israeli soldiers and injured three others. However, he emphasized "freedom of movement in the West Bank," while acknowledging Israel's concerns "regarding security."
RTP also notes that the spokesperson denounced the plans for colony expansion and the opening of a tender for housing, which would isolate East Jerusalem and make the creation of a Palestinian state impossible. According to him, "Israeli colonies in the West Bank are illegal under international law."
SAPO Notícias focuses on the political chronology: Benyamin Netanyahu ordered on Friday what he called a "total lockdown" of the occupied West Bank, just days before Israel's legislative elections on October 27. A "major attack" was allegedly foiled, he said in a government statement, which ordered the immediate lockdown of Hebron, near where the attack occurred, and then a total lockdown for the entire day.
The text quotes the statement by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who advocates for the "dismantling" of the Palestinian Authority: "We must not wait for an October 7 to arrive (in the West Bank). That's where the next war will erupt." The Israeli army claims to have "eliminated the two terrorists" after an automatic weapon attack, which injured five people according to Israeli rescue services. The two articles differ on the toll: two soldiers killed and three injured for RTP, five injured for SAPO.
The army says it is conducting "anti-terrorist operations" in the homes of assailants and other suspects. Both media outlets stick to official Israeli statements and Brussels declarations, without Palestinian voices.
