In preparation for Passover, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered that the West Bank will be blocked for most civilians until the holiday is over on Tuesday, April 6. Such measures are quite typical in Israel during religious holidays, as Israeli officials worry about the potential consequences of Palestinians traveling to high-population areas.
This most recent instance comes in the wake of heightened tension between Israelis and Palestinians. Three Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza last Friday, and government officials fear that similar attacks might occur if the West Bank and other nearby regions are not sealed off temporarily.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the only people allowed passage through the area will be those in need of medical attention, as well as certain professionals such as doctors, lawyers and journalists.