Following the massacre undertaken by Hamas, Jerusalem has undergone significant changes. The area known as the Temple Mount by the Jewish community is dominantly controlled by the Orthodox. The absence of not only tourists but also Muslims is visible. Thousands of Palestinians used to embark on pilgrimages from the West Bank to the al-Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock every day. However, due to current conditions, Israel has imposed restrictions on Palestinians travelling from these locations.
Intentional Suppression
Israel is divided by a wall, both psychologically and physically. This division was in existence even before the attack. However, since October 7th, the fences have been growing with an increase in checkpoints in the West Bank, where the majority of Palestinians live under the control of Israel’s army. These checkpoints have become mobile and are found everywhere. The travel time for the affected individuals has increased significantly. This is an intentional act of harassment. Nowadays, the checkpoints are manned by radical settlers in uniform, exercising their newfound power in the wake of the war. These newly recruited “regional defense forces” are reported to overlook attacks, with NGOs stating there have been 20 deaths since October and reports of militant settlers taking over entire villages, burning fields, and devastating schools.
Politically, this situation is not only tolerated but encouraged. Hamas has its strongholds in the West Bank where tunnels exist amidst civilian infrastructure, as stated by military spokesperson Arye Shalicar. However, security minister Itamat Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich are responsible for the measures affecting the entire population.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delegated the West Bank policy to these two right-wing extremists, residents of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These settlements, surrounded by barbed wire, are considered illegal under international law. Smotrich has been open about a “plan of subjugation” and the “wiping out” of Palestinian villages by settlers. The number of settlers is increasing, subsidized by his ministry, amounting to half a million for every 2.5 million Palestinians in the West Bank.
Predictable Escalation
Not all settlers are radical. Many Israelis move to these settlements because the cost of living is significantly cheaper than in Tel Aviv, and commuting to work with an Israeli passport is convenient. Palestinians, however, face difficulties commuting as they no longer receive work permits for Israel. This has resulted in a high unemployment rate; in cities like Hebron, this reaches 70% of the population.
During Ramadan, more permits were issued allowing Palestinians to visit Jerusalem and their holy sites. However, Ben-Gvir intends to change this: as the fasting month begins, Palestinians and Muslim Israelis under 70 are to be denied access. The intention is to prevent Hamas from “celebrating its victory on the Temple Mount.”
Temple Mount is the term used by the Jewish community for the disputed area where the Muslim Dome of the Rock stands on the ruins of the destroyed Jewish Temple. In 1967, Israeli soldiers raised their flag on the Muslim shrine when Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The government at the time retracted for fear of further escalation. Observers predict a similar situation if Ben-Gvir proceeds with his plan, but doubts remain on whether Netanyahu will restrain him.
