PT: Clashes between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian militants in Nablus leave three dead and 19 injured early Oct. 25

Event

Clashes with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Nablus, Palestinian Territories, left at least three militants dead and 19 others injured early Oct. 25. The clashes appear to have been prompted by the IDF's raid against members of the Lion's Den militant group. Fighting in Nablus comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the IDF and Lion's Den militant group. The militant group has launched a series of shooting attacks against Israelis in recent weeks.

Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas impacted by the clashes. Israeli forces could introduce security measures, including movement restrictions and checkpoints, in order to restore order. Palestinians will likely organize protests in the Nablus and elsewhere in the West Bank over the short term to denounce any possible security restrictions and recent Israeli security forces' raids; Israeli forces will likely disperse particularly disruptive demonstrations. Additional clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces remain almost certain in the West Bank, as do Palestinian militant attacks on Israeli security forces.

Context

The IDF imposed heightened security measures in the Nablus area Oct. 12 after a Palestinian militant killed an Israeli soldier near the city the day before. Israeli authorities blocked most roads into and out of Nablus and imposed strict security checks on Palestinians entering or leaving the city on the remaining routes.

The attack came amid a recent surge in tensions and Israeli-Palestinian violence in the West Bank. Following a spate of deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis in Israel and the West Bank that began in March, Israeli troops have carried out near-daily security operations in the territory. Associated violence has left over 100 Palestinians dead, making this year the West Bank's most deadly since 2015. For their part, Palestinians in the West Bank have recently carried out several shooting attacks against Israelis, further inflaming tensions.

Palestinian militant group Lion's Den claimed responsibility for the Oct. 11 killing of the Israeli soldier in Nablus near Deir Sharaf. The Lion's Den is a new group, which is largely composed of a number various militant outfits and is known for conducting several high-profile attacks against Israeli soldiers and settlers in Nablus.

Advice

Refrain from nonessential travel to the Nablus area until the situation stabilizes. Exercise caution while operating in the West Bank. Avoid all demonstrations. If violence breaks out, leave the area and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Seek updated information on security conditions and movement restrictions in the West Bank before traveling. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints without authorities' permission. Heed the advice of local authorities and your home government.