Israel after series of attacks: With mixed feelings in the Ramadan

Palestinian attackers have recently killed a total of eleven people in attacks in Israel. Israel increased security amid fears of violent clashes at the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Cleaning on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem: Palestinian men and women have been sweeping and wiping the area, which is called Haram-al-Sharif in Arabic, for the past few days. The Islamic Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are located here. Everything should be clean at the start of the month of fasting. “God willing, this year’s Ramadan will be more peaceful than last year,” a woman told Reuters news agency. “Without Israel causing problems.”

Worry about escalation to Ramadan

A year ago, during Ramadan, clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli police increased. While the Palestinians hold Israel responsible, Israel points to Palestinian violence. The fear of a further escalation in the holy time is high. Also because this time Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter. Above all in Jerusalem, religion always has the potential for conflict.

Amir Khoury was recently buried in northern Israel. He was a police officer and an Arab – some say Palestinian – Israeli. Khoury stopped the Palestinian bomber from Bnei Brak, who killed a total of five people – including the Arab-Israeli police officer. Khoury is now celebrated in the country as a hero – and as a symbol that Jews and Arabs also stick together.

In the middle of Israel – for the first time in years – several serious terrorist attacks took place in a short space of time. Many people are unsettled. “My children stayed at home,” a mother from Netanya told the Ynet portal. “I’m worried. On the evening of the attack in Bnei Brak, we received a letter from our mayor, in which parents with a gun license were asked to be present in educational institutions.”

“Don’t fall into hysteria now”

While a high density of weapons in everyday life in Europe would probably contribute to concern, in Israel it is considered a kind of life insurance: if there is another attack in which the assassin can be stopped. Defense Minister Benny Gantz tried to calm down on KAN. “We have to work through the latest incidents properly together with the secret service,” he said. “We mustn’t fall into hysteria now.”

The Israeli army moved into the Palestinian city of Jenin after the Bnei Brak attack, where clashes killed two Palestinians, including a 17-year-old. However, certain simplifications made by Israel for the Palestinians – such as more permits for the sealed off Gaza Strip – are to remain in place for the time being. “Ramadan is an important holiday for Arab Israelis and Palestinians,” said Gantz. “And it is government policy in Israel to guarantee freedom of religion.”

Clashes in the West Bank

How will things continue in Ramadan? Recently there have been different signals. Friday prayers in Jerusalem ended peacefully. In contrast, in Hebron, in the West Bank, there were heavy clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli army. A Palestinian was killed. According to the army, the man threw an incendiary device.

Whether the situation calms down again during Ramadan depends on several factors. About individual decisions of possible assassins who could feel inspired by the previous attacks. And about the situation in Jerusalem, where it quickly comes to a head on the street.

Finally, it also depends on Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Given the tense situation, their rhetoric is full of threats. So far, however, it has remained in words.