Muslim worshippers attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, in Al-Aqsa compound, also known as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 7, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad)
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has typically been a period of increased security challenges and terrorism for the Israeli authorities, particularly during a time of war.
Several days after the start of Ramadan this year, tensions rose to a first peak with this week’s Friday prayers in the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Israeli media reported that around 90,000 Muslim worshippers gathered for prayer at the Temple Mount, with no clashes or security incidents reported at the time of publication.
On Thursday evening, the Israeli government issued security instructions for the Friday morning prayers, approving recommendations from security services to impose a limit on the number of Palestinians from Judea and Samaria who would be permitted to enter.
“Men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to the age of 12, will be able to enter the Temple Mount – subject to receiving a permit and an advance security assessment,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.
“The entry of worshippers will be via the regular crossings following a full security check prior to entering Israel. It is emphasized that there is no limitation regarding Israeli Arabs.”
The statement added that these instructions corresponded to “a similar format… which existed last year.”
“The State of Israel will continue to enable freedom of religious worship for all faiths and nationalities,” the PMO emphasized.
Police guard at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, during the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan, March 7, 2025. (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
This year, Ramadan coincides with an already highly tense security situation in Judea and Samaria (West Bank).
At the same time, the Gaza ceasefire seems close to collapse, which could lead to a resumption of the attacks by the Houthis in Yemen, all while the IDF is undergoing transitions in its leadership.
The military stated that 90 wanted suspects were arrested in ongoing counter-terrorism operations throughout Judea and Samaria over the past week. In addition, 14 rifles and thousands of shekels of terrorist funds were confiscated.
In the city of Jenin, which is the main focus of the large-scale operation that has lasted almost a month and a half, forces of the IDF, the Shin Bet and the Border Police arrested approximately 30 wanted suspects, demolished the houses of three terrorists and questioned a large number of suspects regarding terrorist activity.
In a notable success earlier this week, the Israeli military said its soldiers located and eliminated the leader of Hamas’ local terror network, Isser Saadi.
“The forces found weapons, including an M-16 rifle, a handgun and other military equipment, in the area. Additionally, the forces eliminated another armed terrorist who posed an immediate threat,” the IDF stated on Tuesday.
A Border Police commander taking part in the counter-terror operation told Ynet News this week that the goal is to change “the historical security reality, which, if we manage to maintain it, will undoubtedly enable us to better cope with terrorism.”
“For 41 days, 24/7, we operated inside the camp. We started by evacuating the uninvolved population from the refugee camp to give us the ability to work more aggressively,” said Chief Superintendent “S.”
“After the evacuation, we continued with ground maneuvers while engaging in combat and clashes with terrorists who kept emerging to fight our forces. This continued with the demolition of buildings used for terrorism – command centers, laboratories and various structures that served as gathering points for attacks and more.”
“This is exactly the difference I mentioned compared to previous operations: the destruction of infrastructure, the destruction of roads where we knew explosives had been planted,” he stressed. “You could see defensive positions set up by Jenin terrorists who had prepared for this fighting.”
He added that a battalion would take up permanent positions in the area and remain there for “an extended period.”
“That’s exactly what changes the reality. I generally say that the success of this operation will be determined by whether the forces continue to hold the territory inside the camp. Because, if we leave, in my estimation –based on my experience and knowledge, it will grow back again, just like grass: If you cut it, it grows back anew.”
