The Israeli military is temporarily banning Palestinian workers from Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, following two stabbings in two days, BBC News reports.

A spokesperson said the move, which will be reviewed on a daily basis, was necessary to maintain security. Palestinians will still be permitted to enter industrial zones.

On Sunday, January 17, a mother-of-six was killed in her home at the settlement of Otniel, while a pregnant woman was wounded in Tekoa on Monday.

A Palestinian youth suspected of killing 38-year-old Dafna Meir was arrested on Tuesday, following a major manhunt in Hebron Hills area.

About 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built since Israel's 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

The Israeli defence body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, Cogat, said 26,000 Palestinians employed at settlements would be affected by the restrictions announced on Tuesday.