# Israeli military closure of Taybeh village > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-military-closure-of-taybeh-village > Updated: 2026-08-12T20:01:34.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 2. The Israeli military has designated the West Bank village of Taybeh as a ‘closed military zone’ for non-residents following escalating violence by Israeli settlers against the local Palestinian population. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the order specifically targets Israelis to maintain order and protect residents, following reports of arson, incursions into agricultural lands, and the obstruction of emergency services. While the military intends to disperse gatherings and detain suspects, local leaders and religious figures have raised concerns regarding the restrictions. Taybeh, noted as one of the few remaining Christian villages in the West Bank, faces ongoing intimidation. Local officials, including Mayor Suleiman Khoury, expressed concern that the closure prevents journalists and foreign nationals from entering, which activists argue hinders the documentation of settler activity. Parish priest Father Bashar Fawadleh noted that the effectiveness of the measure depends on whether it successfully prevents settlers from entering local lands. Recent developments indicate a broader pattern of tension in the region. In the town of Qusra, south of Nablus, the IDF also declared a closed military zone following a multi-day siege by settlers that left approximately 15 Palestinians, including children, trapped without consistent access to water or electricity. During this standoff, the military evacuated five Italian activists attempting to deliver supplies to the besieged families. Amidst these incidents, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to transfer civilian law enforcement responsibilities in the West Bank from the military to the Israel Police. Palestinian officials have criticized this move as an attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty. Additionally, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has condemned settler actions, labeling them ‘criminal’ and referring to them as ‘Israeli terrorists’. ## Claims - The IDF declared Qusra a closed military zone following violent attacks by Israelis in the region. (corroborated by 5 sources) - US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the actions of certain settlers as criminal and referred to them as ‘Israeli terrorists’. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Defense Minister Israel Katz proposed transferring civilian law enforcement in the West Bank from the military to the police. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Approximately 15 Palestinians, including two children, were trapped in homes in Qusra without water or electricity. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Five Italian activists were evacuated by the IDF to a nearby village after being blocked from reaching besieged families in Qusra. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The IDF declared Taybeh a closed military zone to protect residents following violent attacks by Israelis in the region. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The mayor of Taybeh stated that the military closure imposes additional restrictions on residents and fails to protect them from settlers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The parish priest of Christ the Redeemer Church reported that settler violence in Taybeh has deteriorated dramatically in recent months. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: West Bank: Settler siege in Qusra and military closure of Taybeh Israeli settlers have besieged Palestinian homes in Qusra, cutting off utilities, while the IDF declared the Christian village of Taybeh a closed military zone following settler attacks. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taybeh-declared-closed-military-zone-by-idf ### 2026-08-09: Taybeh village closed by Israeli military due to settler violence Israel's military has closed the West Bank Christian village of Taybeh to non-residents to curb settler violence against Palestinians, following a U.N. report on settler attacks. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taybeh-village-closed-by-israeli-military-to-prevent-settler-attacks --- Cite as: Israeli military closure of Taybeh village. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-military-closure-of-taybeh-village