IDF Central Command Bans Face Coverings West Bank Prison Penalties

Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, Commander of the IDF Central Command, has issued a military order banning the wearing of face coverings in public spaces throughout the West Bank, including Judea and Samaria, for both Israeli citizens and Palestinian Arabs. The directive imposes penalties of up to six months in prison for wearing masks outdoors, with sentences increasing to two years if the face covering is worn during the commission of a crime. This measure aims to prevent Hamas terrorists and Jewish extremists from concealing their identities while carrying out nationalist crimes, violent offenses, or acts of terrorism, addressing challenges faced by Israeli security forces in identifying suspects. Exceptions are made for religious face coverings and those worn by security personnel during operational duties. The order reflects a broader IDF strategy to maintain public order and curb the surge in violence and terrorism in the region, following a rise in attacks since the October 7 Hamas massacre. Maj. Gen. Bluth has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward violence and declared the move necessary for effective governance in a highly volatile area.