Israel Imposes West Bank Closure for Sukkot Amid IDF-Police Dispute

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to impose a general closure on the West Bank starting today (Sunday), following an IDF recommendation. Under the directive, the entry of Palestinian workers into West Bank settlements will not be permitted during the Sukkot holiday and Hol HaMoed.

Industrial Zones and Exceptions

The entry of essential workers into industrial zones in the West Bank will be permitted in accordance with the security guidelines of the Central Command. No exceptional permits will be approved, except for those stemming from the state's commitments to the Supreme Court.

Controversy Over Qalqilya Tunnel

Last week, a war of words erupted between the IDF and the police after the police announced the discovery of a tunnel in Qalqilya. On Thursday, the IDF dismissed the police announcement, stating that "contrary to official and irresponsible statements issued on the matter, following an examination of the shafts, the existence of a tunnel route was ruled out, and the proximity of the shaft to the seam zone was ruled out."

"During the activity, the fighters located two shafts at a depth of about 12 meters, and adjacent to them seized many weapons, including an M-16 rifle, a shotgun, a handgun and ammunition, which were confiscated by the forces."

Arrests and Police Response

The police responded to the IDF statement by saying that "the court extended the detention of two Israeli citizens arrested in the forces' activity in Qalqilya, in which a tunnel was uncovered with closed-circuit cameras, weapons and additional items." According to the police, the activity in Qalqilya began following hot intelligence and reports of weaponry.