With efforts to replace Palestinian workers with foreign labor in Israel falling short, the government is now considering the return of a specific category of Palestinians deemed "safe" — those aged 45 and over.
These Palestinian workers have successfully passed all security checks and have a long work history in Israel. There is also a proposal under consideration to establish a personal file for each arriving Palestinian worker to ensure permits are granted only to those with a clean security record.
The Shin Bet emphasizes the need for a gradual return of Palestinian workers to Israel to "relieve tension" in Palestinian settlements and restore income opportunities for numerous families.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light for the experimental return of "safe" Palestinian workers.
Approximately 90 thousand Palestinians from the Arab settlements of Judea and Samaria currently work in Israel, with many seeking economic stability rather than escalation.
Employment in Israel allows them to provide for their families and enjoy a better standard of living than most Palestinians. The outbreak of war and the ban on working in Israel has created severe economic problems for Palestinians, raising concerns among security services that, in desperation, they may be susceptible to aiding terrorism.
