IDF reverses ban on Palestinian workers entering Judea, Samaria towns

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday night reversed a ban on Palestinian workers entering Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, a decision confirmed by the military to JNS. This move by IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth rescinded an order issued Saturday night, which had prohibited Palestinian laborers from these communities following a series of terrorist attacks, including a fatal shooting near Havat Gilad. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the reversal as "capitulation to terrorism" and urged the prime minister to revoke the decision, calling it "a grave mistake that could cost us precious Jewish blood." Maj. Gen. Bluth had previously described the security situation as "tense," stating, "We are carrying out counter-terrorism operations to prevent the area from spiraling into further violence."