The challenge the defense establishment is currently facing is how to stop the emerging wave of terrorism in its tracks without expanding the arena to include other "players," who may not be gung ho to join the fray but would also prefer not to be left on the sidelines.
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The series of terrorist attacks in recent weeks has fostered an atmosphere that fuels it further in the midst of an already volatile reality: the wounds of Operation Guardian of the Walls have yet to heal and the defense establishment has yet to implement the lessons of last May.
The elements fanning the flames are multipronged: the inherent momentum of successful terrorist attacks, the Muslim month of Ramadan, and the overall sense of a shared struggle against Israel. The image of Israel so far in these events, as one struggling to deal with the attacks as well as with imposing governance in the Negev, further fuels the fire, and Israel's appeal to international elements on the matter does little to change this image.
It won't take much for simmering tensions to boil over. All it would take is clashes on the Temple Mount or casualties in another arena because of seemingly unjustified Israeli fire, and the Israeli defense establishment is all too familiar with such scenarios.
What can be done? First, the Israel Security Agency, with the help of the IDF and the police, must complete its investigation of the recent terrorist attacks, quickly apprehend those involved in or aware of their plans, and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.
Reinforcing Israeli deterrence against potential threats requires taking immediate steps against the terrorist elements involved in the upheaval of recent days; and as there are only a handful of measures that have the power to deter those who are willing to die in order to kill, these measures must include razing the terrorists' homes, as well as seizing any assets they may have.
Given the understandable concern of copycat attacks, security forces would be wise to prevent events that contribute to the glorification of terrorists, including mass funerals.
Intelligence gathering must also be prioritized to stop potential terrorists, and while administrative measures are not without their faults, they must be employed whenever suspicion arises.
The decision to reinforce security forces in Jerusalem is the correct one, but it would be ill-advised to allow Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Common wisdom in such times is to minimize contact between Palestinians from east Jerusalem and the West Bank and their Gazan counterparts – something prayer services allow.
Experience has taught us that Palestinians who are at the heart of flashpoints in Israel only agitate the situation further. This type of interaction should also be minimized and monitored closely.
Bolstering security forces in mixed cities is also required, including with civil guard volunteers. It is important to set a standard response time for the public.
The IDF should place a special emphasis on detecting and repairing any breaches in the security fence, all while the police must increase enforcement against those who employ or harbor Palestinians who enter Israeli illegally.
Given the sheer volume of illegal weapons in the Arab sector, it is essential to accelerate the implementation of the plan seeking to address this phenomenon, including setting clear quantitative objectives and offering the public detailed reports on how these efforts are progressing.
It is equally important that Israelis do not lose faith or waver in spirit. We have been through worse and this, too, shall pass.
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