Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli authorities have revoked the entry permits of a group of American Jewish activists who participated in protests in the West Bank condemning repeated attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property. This is according to the American newspaper The Forward.
Mass notices and field pursuit
In this context, activist Sam Sherman revealed to the newspaper that he received an official email informing him of the cancellation of his travel permit. This coincided with his participation in a seven-week volunteer program in the Masafer Yatta area of the occupied West Bank. The program aimed to provide humanitarian support and solidarity with Palestinians.
Sherman explained, “This happened to me and a few others in my group, around the same time,” noting that several of his colleagues received the same notices just minutes later. According to the press report, Sherman indicated that soldiers, police officers, and armed settlers took photos of his passport during provocative confrontations. These confrontations were initiated by settlers in the area.
Deliberate restriction and future ban
Expressing his frustration with the repressive measures, he added, “We were simply there spending time with the locals, but we were treated as if our mere presence there was a crime.” Sherman stated that Jewish activists with more experience in the field informed him that it would be impossible for him to be allowed to enter Israel in the future, with the exception of permanent immigration. Moreover, Israeli authorities have not provided any official explanation for the decision to revoke the travel permits of the American Jewish activists.
Settler attacks escalate in the West Bank
In a related context, the occupied West Bank is witnessing a marked escalation in attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities. This is according to reports issued by Palestinian officials and official bodies. Official data shows that settlers committed at least 3,488 different attacks against Palestinians and their property during the first half of 2026.
These attacks ranged from direct physical assaults on individuals to property damage. Furthermore, settlers began establishing new illegal outposts and imposing arbitrary restrictions. These restrictions prevented Palestinian farmers from accessing their vital lands and livelihoods.
