Israeli army restricts access to West Bank Christian village Taybeh amid settler violence

The Israeli army declared Taybeh, a Christian village in the West Bank, a closed military zone for anyone who is not a resident, citing a pattern of violent attacks by Israeli settlers. The restriction applies solely to Israelis, while Palestinians remain unrestricted. Military officials said troops will intervene and arrest individuals who breach the order to protect local citizens and maintain order.

Taybeh is notable for its historic Christian population and the Taybeh Brewing Co, the Middle East’s oldest microbrewery. Earlier incidents involved settlers obstructing Palestinian firefighters attempting to extinguish a large blaze near the village. Parts of Taybeh fall under Area B, where the Palestinian Authority handles civil matters but security must be coordinated with Israeli forces.