Following deadly gun battle, Gantz orders closure of West Bank checkpoint

Defense Minister Benny Gantz orders the closure of the Jalamah checkpoint between Israel and the northern West Bank until further notice, following this morning’s deadly shooting in the area.

“In recent weeks we have seen an increase in the scope of terrorism. I am standing at a place that allows a good livelihood for Palestinians living in Jenin and the region,” Gantz says while touring the scene, in remarks provided by his office.

“In light of the shooting and [other] attacks here, I decided to extend the crossing’s closure until further notice,” Gantz says. The crossing was shut earlier today immediately following the shooting that killed Maj. Bar Falah.

“The fact that one of the terrorists belongs to the [Palestinian Authority security] forces is serious, and is a warning sign to the Palestinian Authority that it must self-examine and act,” he says, referring to Ahmed Abed, a PA intelligence officer.

Gantz says the attack has damaged the security stability which “first and foremost harms the Palestinian residents and the PA itself.”

“We will continue to act intensely wherever necessary, whenever necessary to prevent terrorism,” he says. “And I repeat, where the PA will not exercise sovereignty, we will take care of our security.”

Gantz also orders to halt the entry permits to Israel for residents of Kafr Dan, the hometown of the two Palestinian gunmen, until further notice.