Jerusalem on High Alert as Ramadan Approaches with Increased Security Measures

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Jerusalem has seen the deployment of thousands of police officers to ensure the safety and security of the city. With Ramadan expected to begin either tomorrow morning or Sunday, authorities are preparing for heightened tensions and potential disturbances, especially in sensitive areas like the Temple Mount.

The Jerusalem District Police, alongside security forces, have ramped up preparations, with 3,000 officers, Border Police, and volunteers tasked with securing the Old City, East Jerusalem, and border crossings. The first Tarawih prayer, a key Ramadan event, will be held at the Temple Mount tonight, albeit in a limited format. Authorities are optimistic that there will be no significant disturbances during the prayer service.

The political echelon is expected to make a decision regarding the entry of West Bank residents to the Temple Mount. Last year, only 10,000 Palestinians were allowed entry, a marked reduction from previous years when tens of thousands were permitted. The security establishment has recommended maintaining this limit and has further suggested age restrictions for entry, allowing only men over 55, women over 50, and children up to age 12 with an adult.

Concerns About Terrorism and Incitement

Despite no concrete information regarding potential terrorist attacks, the security establishment remains on alert, particularly due to the unrest in the West Bank and recent Israeli Defense Forces operations. Iran's efforts to incite tensions by smuggling weapons into Palestinian territories have also raised concerns about escalating violence.

Recent operations in East Jerusalem have resulted in significant security measures, including the arrest of over 100 individuals suspected of incitement and the seizure of more than 20 weapons. Over 600 illegal residents were also apprehended, further emphasizing the ongoing efforts to maintain control over the city's security situation during this sensitive period.

A new challenge this year is the presence of dozens of terrorists who were released as part of a recent hostage-prisoner exchange. These individuals, including those celebrating their release, are under intense scrutiny by the police. Authorities have issued administrative orders banning these released terrorists from entering the Temple Mount area to prevent any incitement or violence.

One high-profile case involved Ashraf Zaghir, a convicted terrorist, who was arrested for celebrating his release. He faced charges of reckless driving and traffic violations during these celebrations.

Fighting Incitement through Social Media Monitoring

In recent years, social media has become a significant battleground for incitement. The Jerusalem District Police's Intelligence Operations Unit, which has been operating since "Guardian of the Walls," has been crucial in combating online incitement. This unit, in coordination with the IDF, Shin Bet, and the Foreign Ministry, scans social media to locate and monitor inciting content, especially in East Jerusalem. Since the beginning of the conflict, the unit has monitored over a thousand incidents of online incitement, with many cases originating from East Jerusalem.

Authorities have also increased efforts to combat the glorification of terrorism, with new laws allowing the deportation of family members of terrorists involved in incitement. While no deportations have been made yet, over 20 requests are under review.

Ensuring Freedom of Worship Amidst Security Concerns

Despite the heightened security, the Jerusalem police aim to balance safety with religious observance. "Ramadan is a holiday, and we want to allow everyone who wants to celebrate it," said Chief Superintendent Azik Simon. The police are working to ensure that those traveling to the Temple Mount for prayer can do so safely, without compromising public security.