IDF bars Palestinian workers from Judea and Samaria communities after attacks

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has prohibited Palestinian laborers from entering Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria until further notice, effective Sunday. This decision follows a series of recent terrorist attacks, including a shooting near Havat Gilad on Friday that killed two IDF soldiers, and an incident south of Hebron on Saturday where a Palestinian terrorist seized a soldier's weapon. Palestinian workers are still permitted in industrial zones, and construction sites may be exempted upon community request. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz approved additional measures, including demolishing attackers' homes, increasing military operations in terrorist strongholds, reinforcing IDF deployments, separating Israeli and Palestinian traffic, and accelerating the legalization of farms. Major General Avi Bluth stated, "Following the recent events, and especially this morning's attack, there is concern about escalation throughout Judea and Samaria."