Security crossing where terror attack left IDF soldier dead to be closed until further notice

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz inspected the site of Maj. Bar Falah's death near the West Bank village of Jalma on Wednesday, and declared that the Jalma crossing would be closed until further notice. 

After his investigation, Gantz made a statement saying, "[This was] a serious attack, which claimed the life of the late Major Bar Falah, who acted bravely, and attacked the terrorists in order to protect the citizens of Israel. I would like to send my condolences to his family."

שר הביטחון גנץ סמוך למעבר ג'למה: בעקבות הפיגועים, המעבר יישאר סגור עד להודעה חדשה@ItayBlumental (צילום: משרד הביטחון) pic.twitter.com/6UQthXxTH6

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) September 14, 2022

According to the Coordinator of Government Operations in the Territories (COGAT), the Defense Minister also decided to cease the issue of entry permits into Israel for residents of Kafr Dan, including work permits, effective immediately until further notice. 

Shin Bet recommendation 

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Wednesday recommended a limited reduction of work permits relating to a small area where there was fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinians last night.

Deputy commander of the Nahal Reconnaissance Battalion Maj. Bar Falah was identified as the IDF officer killed in an exchange of fire with two armed Palestinian gunmen near the village of Jalma, north of the West Bank city of Jenin.

Although The Jerusalem Post learned that the Shin Bet's recommendations do not involve closures and do not involve large portions of the West Bank, multiple Hebrew media outlets reported that a much larger closure and aggressive move by the government was under consideration.

It was unclear whether the IDF, a cabinet minister or some other official was telling some media outlets that the Shin Bet backed these broader measures, when in fact, the agency's recommendations are much more modest. 

Increasing frequency of terrorism and IDF activity 

The West Bank has seen an increase in terrorist attacks and subsequent IDF operations. A majority of the terrorist activity has originated from Jenin and Nablus, in the north of the West Bank.

"The situation is getting out of control land therefore new actions need to be taken."

Israeli security official

The IDF has been operating in mostly in the north with nightly arrest raids and other counter-terror efforts. This has included continued work on closing the Seam Line to prevent Palestinians from illegally crossing into Israel.

Since Operation Break the Wave began to counter the rise of terrorist activity five months ago, over 2,050 counterterrorism operations were carried out, with around 1,500 wanted individuals apprehended and hundreds of weapons seized. More than 90 Palestinians were killed during IDF operations.