IDF to Seal Off West Bank to Prevent Terror Attacks Over Purim Holiday

The Times of Israel reports: Israel will close off the West Bank from Friday until Sunday as a preventative measure against attacks during the Jewish festival of Purim, the IDF announced on Thursday.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman instructed the army to impose the closure from 12:01 a.m. on Friday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, the army said.

Entering and exiting the West Bank will be forbidden for Palestinians during those three days, with the exception of “humanitarian, medical and exceptional cases,” according to an IDF statement. Those special cases will require the approval of the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of the Government’s Activities in the Territories.