Hamas and Hezbollah's ideal scenario: Ramadan attacks fueling violence - opinion

• Published date: 24 March 2024
• Author: EHUD YATOM
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The Muslims in the Gaza Strip, Israel, and the West Bank never knew a Ramadan fast like the one that took place this year. Only a few in the Gaza Strip will observe the holiday this year due to the war. Israeli Arabs will celebrate the holiday with a very low intensity because their attention is directed to what is happening on the various battlefields

Israeli Arabs will continue to pray on the Temple Mount, according to the security establishment's proposal that the prime minister accepted - contrary to the extreme position of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. One should hope that the Arab citizens will continue to behave, and will not respond to the demands of extremists to join violent protests.

As for the Palestinians living in Judea and Samaria, the issue is much more complex. It is to be hoped that the security situation will not worsen, and we won't be forced to lead our lives in constant worry of deadly terrorist attacks.

We are witnessing specific attacks carried out by individuals, and this trend continues with ups and downs in the scope of terrorist acts and murder. The atmosphere in the Arab streets is cloudy and depressing, the morale is very low, and most of the attributes of Ramadan have disappeared.

Some factors may worsen the situation, and the police, who are currently positioned in high-risk areas, must be doubly vigilant and even more sensitive in regard to their reactions. The Israel Police plays an extremely important role in maintaining public order. They must show restraint and patience because the situation is fragile and problematic. Any inappropriate response could set the area on fire and lead to an immediate security escalation.

Hamas and Iran's...