We wrote here last week about the possibility of a significant increase in violence against Israel as the Obama administration leaves the Middle East to the clutches of the new axis of Russia, Iran and the Assad regime in Syria. The only real democracy in the region is left to fend for itself.
The fear of increased violence has materialized as mainly knife-wielding attacks have spread throughout the country and caused fear and anxiety in Israel. It is not known if this new assault on innocent Israelis is coordinated by third parties seeking to goad Israel into reacting with deadly force. What is clear is that the government is worried and looking to take steps to combat the attacks without widening the split between Israel and the Obama administration and European governments.
“Israelis are acting with bravery, courage, restraint and determination to neutralize and kill the terrorists in the act,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters at a press conference with top defense officials, according to reports from The Associated Press. “With persistence, systematically and with determination, we will prove that terror doesn’t pay.”
The Israeli government has restricted Muslim access to the Temple Mount where Jews and Arabs have holy sites, limiting visits to men over 45 until the violence subsides. Muslim leaders have accused Israel of attempting to increase Jewish access to the hilltop area. Historically, this area has been closed to most Jews and administered by Islamic authorities, in an Israeli bid to keep the peace since the wars in the late 20th century.
Follow the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.