Israel Bans Palestinian Laborers and Boosts West Bank Troops

The Israel Defense Forces banned Palestinian laborers from entering Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria on Sunday. The restriction follows a series of attacks, including a Friday shooting near Havat Gilad and a Saturday incident south of Hebron where an assailant seized a reservist's weapon. While barred from residential communities, laborers may still access industrial zones and select construction sites.

Security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across the West Bank after a shooting near the village of Tell killed two service members, Benayahu Mellet and Maj. Yuval Ezra. In response, the IDF Chief of Staff redirected a brigade from Lebanon and Gaza to the region, increasing total deployments to at least 24 battalions. Security forces, including the Shin Bet and Border Police, arrested over 70 wanted Palestinians, including two suspects captured during a raid at a Nablus hospital.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz authorized additional measures, including the demolition of attackers' homes and the revocation of work permits. Major General Avi Bluth, head of IDF Central Command, stated that these operations aim to prevent the area from spiraling into further violence. Military officials warn that tensions are being fueled by social media incitement and Iranian influence from Gaza and Turkey, while simultaneously managing a surge in Jewish nationalist violence and the growth of unauthorized farm outposts.