The IDF said on Tuesday evening that it rushed forces to two locations in the West Bank to rescue Israelis who entered Area A by mistake.

The first incident happened in the Arab village of Ni’lin, located near Ramallah, following a report that an Israeli civilian had entered the village with her vehicle.

After IDF forces searched the area, the forces located the civilian and safely rescued her outside the village.

No details were provided as to why the woman entered the village.

Palestinians walk past a sign with information on Area A, near Jordan Valley, in the West Bank, June 13, 2020
Palestinians walk past a sign with information on Area A, near Jordan Valley, in the West Bank, June 13, 2020 (credit: REUTERS/RANEEN SAWAFTA)

Later in the day, two more people entered the West Bank village of Husan by accident. The IDF then searched the area, located the two civilians, and brought them back to Israel.

Increase in Israelis entering Area A in West Bank

Israel has seen a sharp rise in the number of citizens illegally entering Area A in the West Bank, creating life-threatening situations that could end in lynching or murder, security sources told Walla on Sunday.

The officials said Hamas is driving incitement in these areas, while lone-actor attacks remain a concern. They urged Israelis to obey the law and avoid Palestinian Authority cities.
Security sources said every incident of an Israeli entering Area A carries the potential to inflame the sector.

In the past year, several lynchings were narrowly averted thanks to rapid IDF intervention and coordination with other security bodies.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.