IDF Declares West Bank Christian Village Taybeh a Closed Military Zone

The Israel Defence Forces have declared the West Bank village of Taybeh a closed military zone, restricting entry to Israelis and foreigners. Officials say the measure aims to protect residents after repeated violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the area.

Over the past year, settlers have reportedly vandalized homes and public spaces, attempted to set fire to the historic Church of St George, burned vehicles, and damaged olive groves by letting cattle graze and even igniting the trees. Local residents say these incidents have become daily, with the pressure on the Christian community described as relentless and the situation having deteriorated sharply in recent months.

Father Bashar Fawadleh, the parish priest of Christ the Redeemer Church, told Vatican News that many families across Taybeh suffer from the violence and feel forgotten and alone. He said legal remedies exist but are seldom effective, stressing the need for international presence and concrete protection to preserve the village’s historic Christian witness.