Analysis
Israel’s Security Concerns During Ramadan
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This year Ramadan once again coincides partially with Passover. Israeli military and security officials are braced for an escalation in the already febrile security situation with the Palestinians. Since January 2023, 14 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian terror attacks, while 80 Palestinians have died in clashes with Israelis, the bulk either engaged in acts of terror or in direct confrontation with Israeli troops. Last year was the bloodiest year since the height of the Second Intifada. Thirty-one Israelis were killed in a total of 300 terror attacks and 154 Palestinians killed, again the majority combatants.
In recent years the holy month – as well as the lead up to it – has seen an increase in violence, with Jerusalem’s Temple Mount a regular flashpoint. Last year, in the lead up to Ramadan, 11 Israelis were killed in a wave of deadly terrorist attacks. During Ramadan in 2021, tensions surrounding the Temple Mount, evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, (and Mahmoud Abbas’ cancelation of Palestinian elections) ultimately led to fighting between Hamas and Israel in Gaza – known as Operation Guardian of the Walls – and riots in mixed Arab-Jewish cities. (For more information, see BICOM Briefing, The escalation between Israel and Hamas.)
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