40,000 Illegal Palestinian Workers Cited as a Growing Concern

What it is about:

Senior security officials in Israel are highlighting the severe security risks posed by approximately 40,000 illegal Palestinian workers currently in the country. These workers are entering Israel in defiance of legal employment permits, disrupting both security protocols and economic stability within the West Bank.

Why it matters:

The lack of clear and decisive action to prevent illegal Palestinian workers is perceived as contributing to a climate ripe for terrorism and unrest, potentially escalating tensions in the West Bank. Shah authorities argue that financial deprivation among Palestinians, especially young people, increases their vulnerability to influences from terrorist organizations like Iran and Hamas.

In Numbers:

• 40,000 – Current illegal Palestinian workers in Israel
• 33% – Unemployment rate in the West Bank, up from 12% pre-war
• 150,000 – Palestinians working within the Green Line and Jewish settlements before the conflict

Security and Economic Impact:

These unauthorized workers challenge Israel’s ability to maintain security along the West Bank barrier and internally. The increase in illegal workers not only complicates security monitoring but also transitions into a higher risk of terrorist infiltration and criminal activities, such as bank and jewelry store robberies, rising significantly in the ongoing tension.

Broader Economic Ramifications:

Before the conflict, sectors like agriculture and construction relied heavily on Palestinian labor. The restriction on these workers has led to stalled real estate projects, labor shortages in agriculture, and considerable losses due to unharvested crops. Israeli economic interests, especially in these sectors, are therefore directly impacted by labor shortages and rising employment costs.

Calls for Political Action:

Security agencies such as the Shin Bet, IDF, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and the National Security Council, supported by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, continue to push the Israeli cabinet to address this challenge as a matter of urgency. Proposed measures include pilot programs to increase the number of legally permitted Palestinian workers in Israel.

The Bigger Picture:

While some restrictions have been eased – such as reopening the Salem and Gilboa crossings – security continues to warn that without substantial resolutions, the situation in the West Bank is likely to further deteriorate, posing significant risks to both Israeli and Palestinian communities.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.