Major clashes overnight in Jerusalem incl Old City, Haram al-Sharif & Al Aqsa Mosque. Worst since 2017. 205 Palestinians, 17 Israeli police reported injured. Why now?
Dangerous mix of localized incidents, Sheikh Jarrah, Ramadan & (most worrying) internal politics on both sides
Dangerous mix of localized incidents, Sheikh Jarrah, Ramadan & (most worrying) internal politics on both sides
-Past month localized clashes in Jerusalem bw Israelis & Palestinians, esp Old City
-Pending forced removal of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah in favor of Jewish ultra-nationalists
-Resumed rocket fire fire/balloons from Gaza
-Resumed terror attacks (shootings) in West Bank
-Pending forced removal of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah in favor of Jewish ultra-nationalists
-Resumed rocket fire fire/balloons from Gaza
-Resumed terror attacks (shootings) in West Bank
Internal politics on Palestinian side:
*Canceled Palestinian elex (on premise of Israel not allowing Jlem vote) led Hamas & Islamic Jihad to escalate in West Bank/Jlem/Gaza in hope of destabilizing PA - political route closed for now. PA & Fatah doubling down on & #39;defense& #39; of Jlem
*Canceled Palestinian elex (on premise of Israel not allowing Jlem vote) led Hamas & Islamic Jihad to escalate in West Bank/Jlem/Gaza in hope of destabilizing PA - political route closed for now. PA & Fatah doubling down on & #39;defense& #39; of Jlem
Internal politics on Israeli side:
*Political crisis & fear of alternative govt rising has distracted Netanyahu govt, led to provocations in Jlem by far-right partners. Escalation may be useful as wedge issue to divide & #39;Change Coalition& #39; bw left & right parties, embarrass Bennett
*Political crisis & fear of alternative govt rising has distracted Netanyahu govt, led to provocations in Jlem by far-right partners. Escalation may be useful as wedge issue to divide & #39;Change Coalition& #39; bw left & right parties, embarrass Bennett
Genuine concern things will only get worse in coming days, w *neither leaderships incentivized to put on brakes*: End of Ramadan & Jerusalem Day (Sun/Mon) combined w looming Supreme Court decision on Sheikh Jarrah
What& #39;s needed is real intervention by Biden admin & Arab states
What& #39;s needed is real intervention by Biden admin & Arab states