Palestinian workers allowed back into Israel as virus restrictions eased

The Defense Ministry reopens Israel’s economy to Palestinian workers, with some 14,500 workers entering Israel from the West Bank this morning, out of 39,000 total permits granted by Israeli authorities.

The workers are returning to jobs frozen for over a month, after the West Bank and much of Israel’s economy went into lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The jobs are mainly in construction, agriculture and industrial plants.

The move comes after Israeli and Palestinian officials reached an agreement that includes a provision that Israel will supply the workers with protective gear, including face masks and gloves.