The IDF condemned reported Israeli civilian takeovers of Palestinian homes and land near Qusra and Jalud, calling the actions "illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable." It declared the affected areas closed military zones for non-residents and warned that reservists or soldiers involved would face disciplinary action. Separately, Israeli civilians were found hidden in an ambulance at a checkpoint, prompting a police probe; the IDF said standard ambulance coordination procedures did not apply in that case.
IDF Condemns Settler Seizures Near Qusra and Jalud, Declares Closed Military Zones
Israeli soldiers inspect the damage following an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Sarra, near the West Bank city of Nablus, July 24, 2026. (photo credit: STR)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday condemned reports that Israeli civilians entered and took control of Palestinian homes and land in the Qusra and Jalud areas of the West Bank, calling the acts "illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable."
Closed Military Zones and Enforcement
The military announced closed military zone orders for the affected locations, barring entry to anyone who is not a Palestinian resident. The IDF said it will coordinate with other security forces on any future measures taken against those identified as participating in the takeovers.
Disciplinary Action for Service Members
The IDF emphasized that any reservists or active-duty soldiers found to have been involved would face disciplinary action. The statement framed the incidents as violations of military orders and an affront to the rights and daily lives of local Palestinian residents.
The damage following an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Tell, near the West Bank city of Nablus, July 25, 2026. (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
Ambulance Incident at Checkpoint
In a related event on Monday, IDF soldiers at a checkpoint inspected an ambulance that was attempting to enter a Palestinian home inside the declared closed military zone. Soldiers discovered Israeli civilians concealed in the vehicle; Israeli police were called to investigate further.
"This is illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable activity that harms the local residents and disrupts their daily lives," the IDF said in its release.
The IDF noted that it routinely facilitates the movement of medical teams and allows ambulances that have coordinated passage in advance to pass without inspection; it said that protocol did not apply in this case.
Photographs show damage after an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Tell, near Nablus, on July 25, 2026. (Credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
The IDF statement stressed both the legal implications of the takeovers and the humanitarian impact on Palestinian communities, underscoring the need for security coordination and lawful enforcement.
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