Israel Tightens Restrictions on Palestinian Leadership's Movements

Asharq Al-Awsat

20-04-2025

Israel has intensified its restrictions on the movements of Palestinian Authority (PA) officials, both domestically and internationally, as part of a long-standing policy that often resurfaces during times of heightened political or security tensions—particularly when the PA pursues diplomatic initiatives.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, Israel has ramped up these measures. On Saturday, Israeli authorities barred Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa from visiting several towns in the West Bank, including communities in the Ramallah and Nablus governorates.
According to the Palestinian Commission Against the Wall and Settlements, Israeli forces abruptly blocked Mustafa's planned tour of Duma and Qusra in the Nablus area, and Burqa and Deir Dibwan near Ramallah.
The commission described the move as part of 'a series of discriminatory actions' aimed at 'undermining trust between the Palestinian government and its citizens.'
In a separate incident, Israeli authorities reportedly attempted to obstruct Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to Jordan en route to Syria by delaying approval for his use of a Jordanian military helicopter.
Following days of Israeli stalling and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, Abbas ultimately traveled to Amman by land—an unusual step for the Palestinian leader.
Although Palestinian officials initially insisted Abbas would fly, no formal comment was made after he crossed by road. The PA has also remained silent on the ban imposed on Mustafa's West Bank visit.
It remains unclear whether the restrictions were related to Abbas' meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—whom Israel continues to label a 'terrorist'—or broader Palestinian diplomatic efforts. Abbas and Sharaa met on Friday.
In recent months, the PA has worked in coordination with European powers, including France, and Saudi Arabia to push for international recognition of a Palestinian state within the framework of a two-state solution.
These moves have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly attacked France's role and statements by President Emmanuel Macron supporting Palestinian statehood.
Israeli authorities have not issued any official statements regarding the travel restrictions, and Israeli media have mentioned the incidents only in passing, with no formal response from the government.
Observers view these measures as part of Israel's broader political and military pressure campaign in the West Bank, which has intensified since October 7, 2023.
Over the past months, the Israeli military has carried out near-daily raids, erected new checkpoints, imposed movement restrictions, and increased enforcement measures—such as issuing costly traffic fines—in a sweeping effort to control movement across Palestinian areas.