Palestinian Caregivers Expelled From Israeli Nursing Homes, Then Allowed Back

Hundreds of Palestinian caregivers working in Israeli nursing homes were ordered to leave their jobs and return to the West Bank in recent days, according to Kan News. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Defense, caused panic among the workers, who feared sanctions and future entry bans if they did not comply. Many immediately left through checkpoints.

However, the Ministry of Defense later rescinded the order, granting the caregivers an exemption and permission to re-enter Israel. The situation was resolved thanks to the intervention of "Kedem," the Union for the Advancement of Senior Living Communities in Israel. Nachi Katz, the CEO of Kedem, stated that the exemption was crucial due to a severe labor shortage, as few Israelis are willing to perform this work.

The initial expulsion is believed to stem from a broader security directive issued following a Shin Bet recommendation to impose a wide lockdown during the Sukkot holiday, which included Palestinian workers in settlements. It remains unclear why caregivers in nursing homes, considered essential workers, were initially included in this directive.

Families of residents and nursing home managers expressed outrage over the expulsion, warning of devastating consequences for the care of the elderly and remaining staff. They highlighted that even during previous lockdowns, these essential workers were always exempted and urged for the immediate renewal of their work permits.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated the action was in line with security assessments and the Defense Minister's directive for a general closure on the West Bank during Sukkot. While COGAT confirmed approving a request from the Ministry of Health to exempt essential Palestinian healthcare workers, no clear explanation was provided for the initial expulsion order or why the exemption was not initially applied.