1 min read
The recent outbreak of violence around Hebron and in other parts of Israel and the West Bank is reminiscent of the previous wave of attacks that began last October.
The causes of the violence are largely the same: renewed tension around Temple Mount in Jerusalem, growing frustration with both Israel's military occupation and the dysfunctional Palestinian Authority, and anti-Israel incitement on the internet.
There are a number of major differences, however. The events of last week - including the killing of 13-year-old Hallel Yaffe Ariel, stabbed to death in her bed; and the drive-by shooting of Rabbi Miki Mark - do not yet represent a major spike in incidents and have not been accompanied by a large outbreak of civilian unrest. Furthermore, the co-operation between Israeli and Palestinian security services seems to be holding.
Israel has responded with relatively short-term blocks on freedom of movement and large reinforcements of troops to the West Bank. These are short-term measures, as was the decision last month by the cabinet to complete sections of the security fence, mainly south of Hebron.
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