Four days after attack: Palestinian Arab workers returning to Judea and Samaria

Four days after a fatal terror attack near Havat Gilad, the IDF announced that Palestinian Arab workers will be re-permitted into Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria starting Tuesday, reversing a total ban imposed by Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth. The decision followed a situational assessment, drawing criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called it a capitulation. Security forces continue pursuing the perpetrators, with two wounded terrorists arrested at a Shechem hospital. Defense officials warn of a potential escalation resembling the First Intifada.

Four days after a deadly terror attack near Havat Gilad, the IDF announced that Palestinian Arab workers will be allowed back into Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria starting Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The decision came after a situational assessment, reversing a total ban imposed by Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth just one day earlier. The ban followed Friday's shooting attack on the outskirts of Tell, which killed Major Yuval Ezra and Master Sergeant (Res.) Benayahu Melet, a member of Havat Gilad's local emergency response team, and wounded several others. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the reversal, calling it a capitulation that could cost Jewish lives and urging the Prime Minister to overturn the decision. Security forces continue a manhunt for the perpetrators; Duvdevan commandos raided a hospital in Shechem (Nablus) and arrested two wounded terrorists. The IDF and Shin Bet stated that the identities of all suspects are known. Defense officials have expressed concern over a potential breakdown in stability, with a reported shift in Palestinian Arab behavior and a breakdown of the 'fear barrier.' One scenario being evaluated is a widespread popular uprising targeting Israelis, resembling the First Intifada more than the Second.