In the aftermath of several deadly terrorist attacks this past week, Israel plans to bar Palestinians from working in the West Bank’s Gush Etzion bloc of settlements.
The move, which according to the Palestinian Ma’an news agency will affect some 2,000 Palestinians, is among several new security measures announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Nov. 23 speech at the Etzion Junction, the site of a 21-year-old woman’s stabbing on Nov. 22.
It is not clear whether the measures are intended to be temporary or permanent.
According to the Times of Israel, other measures include arresting large numbers of Hamas members in the West Bank and sending large numbers of soldiers to safeguard areas that are frequently targeted. Netanyahu also said there will be more restrictions on Palestinian vehicles and the creation of additional “bypass roads” — routes that are accessible only to Israelis. In addition, the entire extended family of suspected terrorists will be prohibited from entering Israel.
Israel reportedly is also considering deporting from the West Bank to Gaza Palestinians who are believed to be inciting violence against the Jewish state. — jta