The IDF issued a statement on Tuesday addressing and condemning reports that Israeli civilians have entered and taken control of Palestinian homes and land in the Qusra and Jalud areas of the West Bank.
In response to these reports, the IDF announced a closed military zone order for anyone who is not a Palestinian resident in the affected areas.
The IDF went on to strongly condemn the incidents and emphasized that any future handling of individuals involved will be carried out in coordination with security forces.
“This is illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable activity that harms the local residents and disrupts their daily lives,” the IDF release stated.
Additionally, the IDF stated that any IDF reservists or active-duty soldiers found to be involved in these incidents would face disciplinary action.
Settlers attempt to pass West Bank checkpoint in an ambulance
The IDF also addressed a specific incident on Monday, in which Israeli civilians attempted to use an ambulance to pass through a military checkpoint in order to enter a Palestinian home located within the closed military zone.
Upon the ambulance's arrival at the checkpoint, IDF soldiers inspected the vehicle and discovered Israeli civilians hidden inside. Israeli police were subsequently called to the checkpoint for further investigation.
The IDF routinely facilitates the movement of medical teams, allowing ambulances that have coordinated their movement in advance to pass through checkpoints without inspection.