Israeli forces have designated Taybeh, the last predominantly Christian town in the West Bank, as a closed military zone amid escalating settler violence in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) implemented the restriction after months of repeated attacks by Israeli settlers, including arson and intimidation tactics targeting the town's Christian residents.

Taybeh, located near Ramallah, is known for its historic churches dating back to the fifth century but is increasingly encircled by unauthorized Israeli outposts. The IDF's order applies specifically to Israeli citizens and foreigners, rather than Palestinians. Such closures have frequently been used to limit access for journalists and international observers in areas vulnerable to settler attacks, while security forces have been criticized for failing to intervene effectively or dismantle illegal settler structures.

Fr Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Christ the Redeemer church in Taybeh, welcomed the military's designation if it leads to genuine enforcement preventing settler incursions. He highlighted a pattern of ongoing threats, including trespassing on private and agricultural lands, intimidation of residents and workers, fires, armed settler presence, and attempts to establish a permanent foothold within the community. “These incidents have created fear and are threatening the normal life and future of our Christian community,” he said.

The town's mayor, Suleiman Khoury, expressed concern that restrictions on foreign visitors could further exacerbate Taybeh’s fragile economic condition. As one of the few remaining Christian villages in the West Bank, Taybeh has drawn religious leaders such as the Greek Orthodox patriarch and the Roman Catholic cardinal of Jerusalem, underscoring its cultural and historical importance.

In June, Israeli settlers reportedly prevented Palestinians from extinguishing a large fire near Taybeh, according to Palestinian civil defense firefighters. The ongoing violence has drawn rare criticism from Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel and an Evangelical Christian pastor, who condemned the attacks despite generally being a strong supporter of Israel.

Violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has risen steadily in recent years, with human rights groups and local residents accusing Israeli security forces of frequently allowing such acts to continue. The situation has also escalated in other locations, including the village of Qusra, where settlers have reportedly besieged a Palestinian family for several days, resulting in a military closure of the area to journalists.