Defense Minster Ehud Barak has ordered a general closure on Arab travel beyond Judea and Samaria from early Friday morning until the end of the Passover holiday. The measure is aimed at maintaining security for Jewish travelers and preventing infiltration of terrorists trying to attack urban centers.

Doctors, lawyers and non-government organization members will be allowed to leave the area if the requests are coordinated with the military. Goods and merchandise also will be allowed into Arab villages and cities in Judea and Samaria.