Will a major war take place during the upcoming Jewish holidays?

For weeks, Israelis have been warned that the very delicate situation in Judea and Samaria, known as the territories, has the potential to explode into a full-scale war. 

Desiring to ignite a large-scale conflict in that area, Iran has summoned Hamas to repeat another October 7 style attack, an operation that would not be too difficult to pull off, given the large number of young, available Palestinian men from northern cities such as Jenin and Tulkarm, who are willing recruits. 

Although under the control of the PA (Palestinian Authority), this area has struggled to maintain law and order since the refugee camps there are a hotbed of radical indoctrination, leading to a life of terrorism.

As economic conditions worsen in those areas, the likelihood of aspiring to a normal life, is just not the direction most of these young men choose.  Consequently, they are terrorists in waiting, ready to deploy at any moment, once they get the word.

Unable to deter their intent to kill Israelis, it is the reason why many arrests are made as a result of frequent IDF raids of these camps, all in the hope of preventing terror attacks before they occur. 

Now, the fear is that PA operatives could join forces with Hamas and other terrorists in a surprise mission. Predictably, Arab News outlets and human rights groups are trying to pre-empt any Israeli defensive measures, by already suggesting that the removal of Arab civilians from those areas would be tantamount to “ethnic cleansing” and a “crime against humanity.”  

By getting in front of the story, dishonest brokers can prejudice the public by continuing to characterize Israel’s military as war criminals, rather than soldiers who have taken an oath to protect the citizens of their country, just as any other nation would, if attacked.

But now that the Jewish New Year is just days away, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that “the military has been instructed to prepare for an ‘all-out war’ in Judea and Samaria if Israel determines that Palestinian Authority security forces or affiliated groups are launching or preparing to launch an attack similar to October 7.”

Promising that Israel “will not allow for a return of a reality of a continued intifada spanning years, as was the case in the past," the defense minister has vowed to immediately put an end to any such outbreak.

With the country on highest alert, an attack, coinciding with the Jewish holidays, would not be much of a surprise, given the fact that this is the modus operandi of the enemy, who take advantage of a solemn period when families traditionally get together to observe the Biblical feasts, attend synagogue services and eat together with great celebration. 

Ironically, it is this holy period which is not respected by Muslims who, preceding their own festivals, such as Ramadan, remind everyone how sacrilegious it would be to disturb their holidays in any way.  

As we approach the three-year anniversary of the worst massacre, that ever took place on Israeli soil, it wouldn’t be unexpected for the enemy to attempt another invasion of Israeli cities, this time targeting more northern communities. 

But after realizing what they are capable of doing, even if they do attack, Israel will be unprepared this time, especially with elections just a month away.  Anything less than a swift and utter defeat would not bode well for the present administration who hopes to retain its power.

Consequently, maximum readiness is being maintained prior to Friday night, which starts the beginning of what is called the High Holidays, of Rosh HaShanah, culminating in Succoth and ending with Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, on October 2 and 3, the same holidays which saw the October 7 attack in 2023.

With the threat of Iran’s Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthi proxis, precautionary measures are being made, even abroad, recommending that “Israeli tourists keep a lower profile in the countries they visit.” 

Of course, given recent U.S. escalation of the Iranian conflict, there is enhanced motivation, on the enemy’s part, to retaliate, by hitting Israel during their most vulnerable period – the Jewish holidays.

So, as families prepare for this Friday night’s big family dinner, the Israeli population is well-aware that their celebratory meal could be interrupted by the sound of sirens which haven’t been heard for at least six months. 

It is the heavy price that Israelis pay to live in their own homeland, and one which has been ongoing since the establishment of the nation. Anyone would think that after 78 years of the same exercise, trying to put an end to the land which God, Himself swore to the Jewish people, that the enemy would give up, realizing that they are no match for the divine plans of the Almighty.

Yet, they continue to defy the Creator, foolishly believing that they can somehow succeed in their goal to remove the Chosen People from their inheritance. It’s a futile effort, but when your religious ideology persists in the notion that this is a holy war, being fought for Islam, under the authority of Allah, you are too blindly invested in what you’ve been told all your life.

While that kind of indoctrination leads to the destruction of the enemy, a world, which is turning more and more against the Jewish state, might be wise to stop backing the wrong side and finally come to the conclusion that supporting bloodthirsty terrorists is not a winning strategy for anyone who values life and humanity.

Sadly, it is their own blindness that prevents them from seeing the obvious and clear contrast between a nation fighting for its survival and a fanatic religious entity which is committed to death, holding it as the highest form of sanctity to which one can attain.

But with God on our side, we know that Israel will prevail as she always has.  During this holiday period, also known as a time of reflection, our prayer remains that we will be divinely protected and preserved for the destiny to which we have been called – being a light to the nations.