PT: Clashes and increased security likely in West Bank through at least November amid heightened tensions

Event

Clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces and settlers are likely in the West Bank through at least November amid an increase in Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Recent disputes between the sides have generally concerned the Israeli policy of "administrative detention" as well as Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Heightened security measures are likely in the territory over the coming weeks. Israeli security forces may erect checkpoints near areas affected by civil unrest, potentially causing localized transport and business disruptions. Incidents of vandalism cannot be ruled out.

Context

Multiple Palestinians have begun hunger strikes in recent weeks to denounce the Israeli policy of administrative detention, under which Israeli authorities may detain individuals without charge for extended periods. Activists have organized demonstrations across the West Bank to support those on hunger strikes.

Additionally, activists have recently held rallies in the West Bank to denounce Israeli settlement expansion in the territory. The town of Beita, southeast of Nablus in the northern West Bank, has been the epicenter of related protest activity in recent months. Demonstrations will likely increase in the West Bank, including in Beita, over the coming weeks following the Israeli government's late October approval of plans to construct some 3,000 new homes in the West Bank for Israeli settlers. Israeli settlement in the West Bank is generally considered to be one of the most significant issues complicating efforts toward achieving an internationally supported two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations and clashes in the West Bank. Exercise caution and allow extra time to travel through 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 an aggressive response from Israeli security forces.