Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz revoked Oct. 16 the permits to work in Israel of 164 Palestinians who are related to suspected members of the West Bank Palestinian militant Lion’s Den group. According to Israeli assessments, the Nablus-based group, comprised of some 40 members, is responsible for the surge in recent weeks in shooting attacks against Israelis. The group itself has taken responsibility for several attacks.

Over the past year, some 2,500 work permits have been revoked from family members of those involved in terror attacks against Israeli nationals in the West Bank and in Israel.

On Oct. 16, Israel’s political and security leadership held a special security assessment to discuss the situation in the West Bank and in east Jerusalem. Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Gantz, National Security Council Adviser Eyal Hulata, Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and other senior security officials participated in the meeting. Reportedly, participants discussed the possibility of a larger operation against the Lion’s Den group, though no public statement was made after the meeting.

On Oct. 17, the last day of Sukkoth, Israel imposed a border closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The closure is expected to end at night, unless the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decide to extend it. Last week, Israel imposed a closure on Nablus, allowing travel in and out of the city only after strict security checks, resulting in protests and riots. A few days earlier, a closure was imposed on the West Bank town of Jenin, considered a major hub for assailant cells.