Israel Imposes West Bank Closure During Sukkot Holiday

Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to impose a general closure on the West Bank starting Sunday, in line with the army's recommendation. During the Sukkot holiday and its intermediate days (Chol HaMoed), Palestinian laborers will be barred from entering Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Entry for essential workers to industrial zones in the West Bank will be permitted under specific security guidelines from the Central Command. No exceptional permits will be issued, except for those mandated by Supreme Court rulings.

The decision comes amid a dispute between the IDF and the police regarding a tunnel discovered in Qalqilya. Last week, the police announced the discovery of a tunnel, claiming it contained cameras, weapons, and other items. The IDF, however, later denied the existence of a tunnel, stating that an investigation of the shafts ruled out its presence and proximity to the separation barrier. The IDF reported that soldiers found two shafts, seized weapons including an M-16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a pistol, and ammunition, and arrested four suspects involved in terror activity.

The police countered the IDF's statement, asserting that a court extended the remand of two Israeli citizens arrested during the operation in Qalqilya. They reiterated that a tunnel was found with surveillance cameras and weapons. The police also stated that the operation began following intelligence reports of weapons being present, and that the tunnel entrance was covered and contained fertilizer bags commonly used in explosives.

Despite the disagreement, Commander of the Judea and Samaria District Police, Superintendent Moshe Finchi, emphasized the strong cooperation between the police and the IDF, acknowledging that professional disagreements can occur but are aimed at the shared goal of public security. He affirmed that any report issued by the police is accurate and fact-based.