Defense Minister Orders Weeklong Closure of Judea and Samaria During Sukkot

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to impose a general closure on Judea and Samaria beginning today (Sunday), in accordance with the IDF’s recommendation. The closure is expected to remain in effect throughout the coming week, during the Sukkot holiday and Chol Hamoed, against the backdrop of recent attacks and ahead of the tense holiday period.

Under the decision, Palestinian workers will not be permitted to enter communities in Judea and Samaria for work. However, workers classified as essential will be allowed to enter the region’s industrial zones, subject to the security directives of Central Command. In addition, no exceptional permits will be issued during the closure, except for those stemming from the state’s commitments to the High Court of Justice.

Following the decision, the director general of the nursing care institution appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz and Health Minister Chaim Katz, asking that nursing caregivers arriving from the territories be exempted from the closure. In his letter, he warned of an "immediate collapse" of the care system at dozens of geriatric facilities throughout Israel.

Alongside the closure, the IDF has once again reinforced its forces in various sectors and strengthened its defensive deployments ahead of the holiday. Regular battalions will remain on alert in each command until the end of the holiday period, in order to allow for their rapid deployment if needed. Brigade headquarters have also been placed on alert.

During Sukkot, several combat companies will be assigned to reinforce the various sectors, alongside additional companies that will remain in reserve. The heightened alert will continue through Chol Hamoed and the second holiday. As part of the preparations, most combat soldiers stationed at brigade training bases will remain on base during the holiday for alert-duty missions.