Israel/Palestinian Territories: Israeli soldiers attacked in Jenin Feb. 12

Event

On Monday, February 12, two Israeli soldiers were attacked by Palestinians in Jenin (West Bank) after having mistakenly entered the city. Stones were thrown at the soldiers’ vehicle, a riffle was stolen, and one soldier was wounded. Palestinian security forces reportedly helped the soldiers leave the area.

Context

Similar incidents periodically occur in the West Bank. Two weeks ago, an Israeli civilian was attacked in the village of Abu Dis before being evacuated by Palestinian security forces.

The city of Jenin is under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Israeli civilians are prohibited from entering the city and Israeli soldiers are only allowed in the area for planned military operations.

Advice

Individuals in Jenin are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

In general, due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders