Israel Imposes Sukkot Holiday Lockdown on West Bank, Affecting Palestinian Workers

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered a complete closure of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) for the duration of the Sukkot holiday and its intermediate days, known as Chol HaMoed. The decision, made at the recommendation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), comes amid heightened tensions and in anticipation of the holiday period. During the lockdown, Palestinian workers will be prohibited from entering Israeli settlements and industrial zones in the region. Last year, approximately 9,000 Palestinian laborers held permits to work in these areas. Exceptions will be made for essential workers whose presence is deemed necessary, particularly at industrial sites in Judea and Samaria, under the guidance of the IDF Central Command. Other crossings will remain closed, except for cases mandated by the Supreme Court. The closure is expected to last throughout the holiday week, from the start of Sukkot on September 26th until after Simchat Torah on October 3rd.

The lockdown has raised concerns within the elderly care sector. Institutions have appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz and Health Minister Chaim Katz, requesting exemptions for Palestinian caregivers from Judea and Samaria. Around 940 such employees, who have undergone security checks, work in this field. Industry representatives warn that their exclusion could disrupt the operations of dozens of facilities and leave thousands of elderly patients without essential care. The IDF has also announced an increased military presence in Judea and Samaria for Sukkot, deploying additional units, including the Maglan special forces unit, to reinforce the Central Command.