Defense Ministry Orders Removal of Hundreds of Palestinian Caregivers from Nursing Homes Nationwide
Hundreds of Palestinian caregivers have been removed from Israeli nursing homes by Defense Ministry order, citing security concerns following the Oct 7 attacks.
Jerusalem, 27 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Hundreds of Palestinian caregivers have been removed from nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across Israel following an order from the Defense Ministry.
The measure affects caregivers from the Palestinian Authority who had been working in facilities caring for elderly and disabled Israelis. According to Israeli media, the decision was made on security grounds, amid heightened concerns over Palestinian workers’ access to sensitive locations.
The move has created staffing difficulties for nursing homes, which rely on caregivers to provide round-the-clock assistance to residents. Some facilities have been forced to seek replacement workers or reorganize shifts following the removals.
The Defense Ministry’s directive comes amid broader restrictions on Palestinian workers in Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The decision has prompted concern among nursing-home operators over their ability to maintain adequate staffing and continuity of care for vulnerable residents.