Defense Ministry Orders Hundreds of Palestinian Caregivers Out of Israeli Nursing Homes

Hundreds of Palestinian caregivers working in Israeli nursing homes were ordered by the Ministry of Defense to leave their jobs and return to their homes in the Palestinian territories over the weekend. The workers received notifications stating their permits had expired and they must immediately return, with warnings of sanctions and fines for non-compliance. Many left through checkpoints fearing repercussions and future entry bans.

The directive's origin is unclear, but it is speculated to stem from a broader security measure recommended by the Shin Bet, which called for a lockdown during the Sukkot holiday that would also include Palestinian workers in settlements. However, it remains unexplained why caregivers in nursing homes, considered essential workers, were included in this order.

One nursing home informed residents' families that the Ministry of Defense had instructed all nursing homes to have Palestinian caregivers, with few exceptions, leave the country until further notice. The notice stated that management and staff would provide increased support, but did not provide a specific reason for the decision.

This move has sparked anger among the families of residents and nursing home directors, who estimate dozens of workers per facility and hundreds nationwide are affected. They warn of devastating consequences for elderly care and remaining staff, highlighting that these workers were previously exempted even during general lockdowns. Directors are calling for the immediate reinstatement of their work permits.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated the action was based on security assessments and the Defense Minister's directive, citing a general closure on Judea and Samaria during Sukkot and the intermediate days, with exceptions only for humanitarian, medical, and other approved cases. COGAT confirmed they approved a request from the Ministry of Health to exempt a list of Palestinian workers essential to the healthcare system, but offered no explanation for the departure order or why the exemption was not applied in practice.