PT: Heightened security likely in West Bank through at least late October following recent low-level clashes

Event

Heightened security measures will likely affect parts of the West Bank through at least late October following recent low-level violence involving Palestinians, Israeli security forces, and settlers. Demonstrations by Palestinian activists have generally ended in clashes with Israeli security forces in recent weeks, with Beita - a West Bank town located south of Nablus - remaining a flashpoint for unrest. Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian youths in the nearby town of Biddu left several people injured the afternoon of Oct. 15. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces used tear gas and other riot control measures during skirmishes with Palestinian demonstrators in the towns of Kafr Qaddoum and Beit Dajan later on Oct. 15.

Israeli settlers have also engaged in violence with Palestinians and Israeli forces in the West Bank in recent days. Settlers reportedly attacked a group of Palestinian farmers in the village of Yasuf, leaving four people injured Oct. 15. On Oct. 11, an Israeli police officer was injured during fighting between settler youths and security forces near the settlement of Yitzhar.

Further clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces are likely in the West Bank over the coming days, as is violence between Israeli settlers and both Palestinians and Israeli security forces. Israeli security forces may erect additional checkpoints near affected areas, potentially prompting localized transport disruptions. Additionally, Israeli forces continue to conduct regular raids targeting suspected Palestinian criminals and militants in the West Bank. Tensions remain heightened after Israeli soldiers killed three purported Hamas militants who were allegedly planning attacks against Israeli targets during a Sept. 26 raid in the village of Biddu.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations in the West Bank due to the likelihood of accompanying violence. Exercise caution and allot extra time for travel throughout the affected areas. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt a response from Israeli security forces.