The Israeli military has declared the Palestinian village of Taybeh in the West Bank a closed military zone. Israeli Central Command chief Avi Bluth issued the declaration, which aims to prevent increasing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians.
Under the designation, Israelis and foreigners are barred from entering Taybeh, while Palestinians are not subject to the same restriction. Taybeh, which has a population of approximately 1,200 residents, is one of the last remaining Christian villages in the West Bank.
The military stated that soldiers would respond to violations of the order by dispersing gatherings and arresting suspects to protect citizens and maintain order.
Local concerns and implementation issues
Local leaders have raised disputes regarding the impact of the decision. The mayor of Taybeh, Suleiman Khoury, stated that preventing foreigners from entering the village would harm residents and their livelihoods because the town is a tourist destination.
An attempt to tighten the noose on residents more than a measure to protect them.
Father Jack Abid, the head of the Greek Catholic community in Taybeh, stated that the military decision is not being fully implemented and that some Israeli groups have continued to enter the village. He also stated that extremist Israelis known as 'Tepe Youth' bring their sheep to graze in the village's olive groves, which are the villagers' only remaining source of income.
Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky reported on X that residents fear being left defenseless against settler attacks without the presence of journalists and civilians who act as a protective presence.
Regional context and statistics
The designation comes amid reported increases in violence in the region. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Taybeh and condemned arson attacks as 'Terrorakte' (terror acts).
Attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank during the first half of 2024, according to the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission.
According to the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, there were 3,488 attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank during the first half of 2024. Since October 2023, approximately 12,500 attacks have been carried out in the West Bank, resulting in 82 Palestinian deaths, 890 fires, and the establishment of 200 new settlements.
In the same period since October 2023, more than 1,182 Palestinians died, approximately 13,000 were injured, and 24,600 were detained in attacks in the West Bank. Currently, approximately 750,000 Israelis live in 156 settlements and 360 illegal outposts in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The Christian population in the West Bank has decreased over the years and currently stands at about 45,000 people.
