It's been 20 years since Operation Defensive Shield, but the battle against Palestinian terrorism is far from ending.
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While the IDF is present and operates freely throughout Judea and Samaria and even manages to foil most terrorist operations, it is helped, at least partially, by the security apparatus of the Palestinian Authority. Its members are no longer involved up to their necks in terrorism, which now is mostly carried out by "lone-wolf assailants," as they are known in these parts. Nevertheless, it transpires that on the ground, little has changed.
The motivation to harm Jews still exists and is fueled by hatred and incitement that haven't stopped for a moment, and are growing stronger because of the frustration and anger in the Palestinian street against the PA, a failed and corrupt authority that has not succeeded in extracting the Palestinians from a dead end of economic misery and hopelessness for a better future. It's no wonder, therefore, that the embers of terrorism are still burning and have flared up over the past few weeks leading up to Ramadan.
Incidentally, the concept of "Ramadan terrorism" is not a local invention. Throughout the world -- primarily the Muslim world -- terrorism lifts its head during this festive time. Every night, in every home, alleyway, or neighborhood, meals to break the Ramadan fast serve as a social meeting place for the extended family and friends, in an atmosphere of religious fervor, and often religious preaching. Incitement is added to existing tensions and pressures resulting social or even personal background, and together they create a fertile ground that leads terrorists to set out that night or the next day on a killing spree in the name of religion.
We are naturally focused on the waves of terror that are targeting Israel's towns, but Muslim extremists long ago turned the Ramadan into a festival of jihad and murder in which terrorism hits new peaks. In some cases, it is terrorism against other Muslims, such as the terrorist attacks conducted by ISIS throughout the Arab and Muslim world.
Of course, this is just a partial explanation for the challenging reality that we currently face. After all, terrorism is something we contend with throughout the year, depending on the caprice of the lone-wolf assailant or the opportunities that arise for him. After all the motivation to harm and kill remain as high as ever.
Most of the Palestinian population wants to live its life in peace and is not involved in terrorism, but it accepts terrorism and embraces attackers with support and encouragement. Meanwhile, Hamas in Gaza is watching from the sidelines, deliberating whether to go up a gear and initiate a conflict with Israel along the Gaza border, as well.
Hamas' interest may be to maintain quiet on the Gaza border, but the irony is that for this to happen, quiet and calm must return to the towns of Israel and to Judea and Samaria. Otherwise, Gaza might be drawn in by Jenin.
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