Israel Imposes West Bank Lockdown for Sukkot Holiday

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a comprehensive closure of the West Bank, effective Sunday, based on recommendations from the Israeli military. The closure is expected to last for the upcoming week, encompassing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. This measure comes in response to recent security incidents and the heightened tensions typically associated with the holiday period.

During the lockdown, Palestinian laborers will be prohibited from entering Israeli settlements in the West Bank for work. However, essential workers will be permitted entry into industrial zones in the West Bank under specific security directives from the Central Command. No exceptional permits will be granted during this period, with the exception of those mandated by state obligations to the High Court of Justice.

In light of the closure, the Director General of the Association of Nursing Homes has appealed to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Health Minister Uzi Netanyahu to exempt caregivers from the West Bank working in Israeli nursing homes from quarantine requirements. The CEO warned of an immediate collapse in the nursing care system across dozens of elder care facilities in Israel, noting that approximately 940 West Bank caregivers are employed in this sector and are crucial for the daily care of the elderly.

The appeal highlighted that caregivers with security clearances are typically exempt from such closures, especially when working in licensed facilities. It was emphasized that these nurses assist elderly residents daily with essential activities like moving, bathing, dressing, and changing diapers. The Director General asserted that barring their entry and immediate return to Palestinian Authority areas could leave thousands of dependent elderly individuals without necessary care.