Judea and Samaria

A new Dutch ban on products originating in Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria has taken effect. The rules apply not only to commercial imports but also to items travelers bring with them personally.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to impose a general closure on Judea and Samaria throughout Sukkot and Chol Hamoed, restricting the entry of Palestinian workers. The IDF is bolstering forces and raising its alert level across all sectors.

The Netherlands has begun enforcing a sweeping ban on products brought in from Judea, Samaria, and the Golan Heights, even in travelers’ luggage. The ban also covers gifts and products containing even partial ingredients from those areas, with violations potentially carrying criminal penalties.

An American document condemning Britain’s decision targeting Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria was ultimately never released, after failing to win support from the White House and the U.S. State Department.

Netanel Shakron, 49, of Alei Zahav, was killed yesterday in a shooting attack at a spring near Neve Tzuf after immersing there with his son ahead of Yom Kippur. The attacker was arrested in Ramallah after fleeing the scene.

The proposed law would ban imports, exports, property purchases and certain business services linked to Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria and eastern Jerusalem.

Eight Arab and Muslim countries voiced support for Britain's decision to ban imports from Judea and Samaria and sanction Israelis. The Palestinian Authority praised what it called a "progressive position" that could enable legal action against Israelis.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced a series of retaliatory measures following British sanctions targeting Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem will close, representatives will be removed, and 12 British citizens will be barred from entering Israel.

Slovenia’s deputy prime minister met in Ljubljana with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and voiced support for the communities there. Against the backdrop of Slovenia’s veto of European sanctions, he declared: “We support Samaria being under sovereignty.”

Britain has announced economic sanctions against Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and is working to bring other countries into the effort. Israeli officials sharply criticized the move, while the U.S. warned it could have consequences for London.

Britain is expected to announce a ban on imports from Israeli communities and targeted sanctions against organizations and individuals. Jewish community leaders warn of damage to ties with Israel and potential consequences for British Jews.

More than 40 children will begin the new school year in the northern Samaria communities, which were evacuated and dismantled in 2005.

The British government is preparing tougher measures against Israel over planned construction in E1, but Labour lawmakers are warning of a possible response from Washington. Their concern: trade restrictions could prompt retaliation from the Trump administration and spark an economic clash.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar instructed Dutch representatives to leave Israel within a week, responding to a series of measures by the Dutch government, chief among them a law banning trade in products originating in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.

Palestinians in the Yatta area alleged that Israelis entered a village overnight and set a residential building on fire. Police and Fire and Rescue investigators determined that the blaze was caused by an electrical failure and found no fire accelerant at the scene.

U.S. officials criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz’s statement yesterday that the IDF is preparing for a long-term presence in southern Lebanon. The Americans said: “An IDF presence in Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments that were made.”

Terrorist Kamel Khatib faces multiple terrorism charges, including responsibility for the Samaria attack that killed reservist Sgt. Maj. Yehuda Gatto and seriously wounded another soldier. According to the indictment, he also led the Nur a-Shams Battalion terror organization.

Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected claims that he announced on air the removal of the Central Command chief, saying the process of appointing his replacement had begun months earlier. He called the allegations “an absolute lie” and “a political campaign aimed at the government.”

Over the past week, IDF forces carried out a large-scale operation in villages along the seam zone, targeting networks that allegedly help Palestinians enter Israel illegally. At the same time, police continue making arrests in communities across the country and shutting down businesses accused of employing undocumented Palestinians.

Security forces say they foiled suspected illegal digging and antiquities theft in the Jordan Valley. Thousands of archaeological items, ancient coins, and excavation equipment were seized, and the suspect was taken in for further questioning.