PT: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) impose heightened security measures in Nablus area Oct. 12

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (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 have reportedly blocked most roads into and out of Nablus and are imposing strict security checks on Palestinians entering or leaving the city on the remaining routes. The duration of the security measures is unclear. The move comes amid heightened tensions and levels of violence in the West Bank.

Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas impacted by the security measures. Israeli forces may expand the geographic scope and intensify the severity of the measures on short notice over the coming days. Palestinian activists will likely stage protests in the Nablus area and elsewhere in the West Bank over the short term to denounce the security restrictions and recent Israeli security forces' raids; Israeli forces will likely disperse particularly disruptive demonstrations. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces remain likely in the West Bank, as do Palestinian militant attacks on Israeli security forces and retaliatory Israeli security raids.

Context

Palestinian militant group Lion's Den claimed responsibility for the Oct. 11 killing of the Israeli soldier in Nablus near Deir Sharaf. The attack comes 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.

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.