Israel closes West Bank’s last all-Christian town to curb settler attacks against residents
The order bars Israeli non-residents from entering Taybeh after months of reported settler violence, including arson, vandalism, and attacks against the town’s Palestinian Christian community.
Israel’s military declared Taybeh, the last entirely Christian town in the West Bank, a closed military zone Aug. 9, restricting entry by Israeli settlers and other non-residents in an effort to protect the community from settler attacks, according to reports.
In a statement cited by Reuters, the military said the order applies to Israelis and does not bar Palestinian residents from entering the area. An Israeli military spokesperson said the military imposed the restrictions “due to some violent attacks by Israelis in the region,” according to the outlet.
“Upon receiving any report of violations of the order, IDF soldiers are dispatched to the area and operate to disperse the gatherings and detain suspects in order to protect the citizens of the area and to maintain order,” the military said, according to Reuters.
Israeli settlements and outposts lie east and west of Taybeh, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. The outlet reported that parts of the town are located in Area B, where the Palestinian Authority administers civil affairs while Israel retains security control.
Asharq Al-Awsat also reported that the designation follows “months of the army and police struggling to maintain order throughout the territory.”
Christians in Taybeh have faced escalating violence and encroachments by Israeli settlers, including incidents of arson, vandalism, and damage to residents’ and village property. Church leaders have warned that the continuing violence and intimidation threaten the area’s ancient Christian presence.
