By order of the Defense Ministry: Hundreds of Palestinian caregivers removed from nursing homes across the country
The Defense Ministry ordered the removal of hundreds of Palestinian caregivers from nursing homes across the country over the weekend, following a closure imposed during the Sukkot holiday. The workers were notified of the expiration of their stay permits and were forced to return to the territories. The decision sparked anger among families of residents and institution managers, who claim devastating consequences for the care of the elderly. The exemption for essential workers was not implemented in practice.
The Defense Ministry ordered the removal of hundreds of Palestinian caregivers from nursing homes across the country over the past two days (Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, 2026). The workers were notified of the expiration of their stay permits and were forced to immediately return to their homes in the territories for fear of sanctions and fines. The decision was made against the backdrop of a general closure imposed on the Judea and Samaria area during the Sukkot holiday, following a recommendation by the Shin Bet. However, it is unclear why caregivers in nursing institutions, who are supposed to be exempt as essential workers, were included in the move. In a message sent to families of residents at one nursing home, it was stated that the Defense Ministry ordered the departure of all Palestinian caregivers, except for a limited number, until further notice. The decision sparked anger among families of residents and institution managers, who warned of devastating consequences for the care of the elderly. According to them, even during previous closure periods, nursing workers were exempted. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories unit claimed that the move was carried out in accordance with the security assessment, and that an exemption for essential workers was approved at the request of the Health Ministry, but no explanation was provided for its non-implementation in practice.