Concerns of escalation in occupied territories spreading into Israel
Israeli fears stoked by May 2021 Protests across the country
Jerusalem24 – The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, reported today that there are Israeli concerns about the possibility of a further security escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the newspaper, discussions between the political level as well as the security apparatus and the military establishment expressed fears of such an escalation reaching “mixed cities” (where Arabs and Jews live together) in Israel.
The Israeli authorities wish to avoid repeating the experience they had in May, when Palestinians living in Israel hit the streets protesting Israeli policies displacing Palestinians in Jerusalem.
The paper indicated that a state of alert was increased at Israeli checkpoints, as well as along the Green Line. Steps were taken towards the possibility of strengthening Israeli forces in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
According to the newspaper, the Israeli security apparatus found no connection between the perpetrators of recent attacks with the Palestinian factions.
Reports indicated that the attacks were carried out individually, Including the attack that took place in the Old City of Jerusalem and led to the killing of an Israeli at the hands of Fadi Abu Skhaydum.
The Israeli security apparatus expressed great concern of more attacks imitating recent operations. Similar to the wave of individual attacks that took place in October 2015, which diminished over the years due to modern security measures and technology.
