Central Command re-authorizes the entry of Palestinian workers into West Bank communities

The Central Command decided this evening (Monday) to re-authorize the entry of Palestinian workers into Jewish communities in the West Bank following a renewed situation assessment. The decision takes effect tomorrow, canceling the directive issued last Saturday night that had barred workers from entering these communities following the recent wave of terror attacks.

The original decision followed a series of terror events in the West Bank, most notably the shooting attack near Havat Gilad, in which an IDF soldier and a member of the Havat Gilad rapid response team were murdered while arriving to assist a group of hikers. The security establishment raised the alert level at that time, and the Central Command decided to freeze the entry of Palestinian workers until a re-examination of the security situation—a step welcomed by many in the West Bank in light of fears regarding attacks carried out by laborers.

Following an additional assessment held this evening, it was decided to remove the restriction. Security officials will continue to monitor developments on the ground, and guidelines may change according to operational requirements.

At the same time, the US Embassy in Israel issued a warning this evening to embassy employees and their family members, stating that they are prohibited from traveling to the West Bank due to security tensions and the escalation in terror attacks over the past week.

The embassy's statement read:

«Due to the deterioration in the security situation and the increase in the risk level in the West Bank, the United States Embassy is temporarily restricting the personal travel of all United States government employees and their family members to the West Bank. This restriction has been extended and will remain in effect until Wednesday, July 29, 2026, unless extended or cancelled.»