PT: Israeli military raises state of alert in West Bank following Nov. 15 attack near Ariel settlement

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly issued orders to troops in the West Bank to raise their state of alert in the territory until at least Nov. 18 after a Palestinian man carried out a stabbing and vehicle-ramming attack near the settlement of Ariel Nov. 15. The assault, which took place in the vicinity of the entrance to Ariel's industrial zone, killed three Israelis and wounded three others; Israeli forces subsequently killed the assailant. Israeli security forces have also reportedly restricted movement into and out of the nearby town of Haris, where the attacker was from, and measured the home of the assailant's family in likely preparation for its demolition.

Heightened security measures and consequent transport and business disruptions are likely near the scene of the attack and in the Haris area over the coming days. Palestinian residents may demonstrate to denounce Israeli security measures, demolitions of Palestinian structures, and violence against Palestinians in the area; clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians are likely where any such demonstrations materialize. Further Palestinian attacks targeting Israeli settlers and security forces cannot be ruled out in the Ariel area or elsewhere in the West Bank over the short term. Israeli forces may launch security operations and impose movement restrictions in the West Bank with increasing frequency in response to the Nov. 15 attack in the Ariel area or other Palestinian assaults over the coming days.

Advice

Exercise caution while operating in the West Bank. Seek updated information on security conditions and movement restrictions before traveling to or within the territory. Avoid all demonstrations. Heed the advice of local authorities. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints without authorities' permission.