IDF prepares for Ramadan amid greater uncertainty regarding Iran, increased tensions in Judea & Samaria

The Israeli security establishment is preparing for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. 

While terror incidents have been in decline following several counter-terror operations in Judea and Samaria, during which the IDF took control over several refugee camps, a high level of uncertainty remains. 

In Judea and Samaria, the IDF and Border Patrol units have begun a series of arrest operations targeting those suspected of plotting attacks and identifying people involved in incitement to violence. According to Hebrew media reports, the IDF and Border Patrol are giving special attention to known breaches in the security barrier, while also conducting operations targeting illegal residents and workers from Palestinian territories. 

This comes amid concerns about possible Iranian military action against Israel in the event of a U.S. strike on Iran or a breakdown in the ongoing negotiations. During the 12-day Israel-Iran war, the Islamic Republic attempted to recruit Israelis and Palestinians to carry out sabotage operations against the Israeli government. Security officials have said they expect similar attempts in the event of another conflict.

Security forces have also intercepted several attempts by Iranian groups to smuggle weapons and other terror equipment into Judea and Samaria over the past year. There is concern that any direct military confrontation with Iran could provoke an attempt by Palestinian terror cells to join the fight against Israel. 

At the same time, security officials are also on the lookout for so-called “lone wolf” operations and attempts by Hamas to escalate the tension in Judea and Samaria during the Ramadan month of fasting, which is one of the holiest times in the Muslim calendar. 

The end of the Gaza war led some within the Palestinian community to expect a return to pre-war conditions, including the easing of age restrictions for Muslim men seeking to pray at the Temple Mount’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. Those restrictions have largely remained in place, contributing to frustration among some worshippers.

Over the past two years, Israel has limited access to Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa to Muslim men over the age of 65, citing security considerations.

Following the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Ramadan period passed relatively quietly, amid concerns that unrest would prompt a strong Israeli response. However, recent large-scale IDF operations in the Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps, along with the continued military presence there, have raised concerns about potential escalation during this year’s Ramadan. Additional tensions have followed several reported incidents of nationalist violence involving individuals affiliated with the so-called Hilltop Youth movement.

Kan News reported that Jewish nationalistic violence in Judea and Samaria has increased in 2025 compared to previous years.  

Recent decisions by the Israeli government regarding land purchase in Judea and Samaria, the administration of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, and the reopening of a previously closed settlement in northern Samaria have contributed to the frustration among the Palestinian population. 

The high unemployment rate in the Palestinian territories – especially among young men, many of whom were employed in Israel as day laborers before the war – has added to the tension as well

Some Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria have seen an increase in rock throwing and Molotov-cocktail attacks on passing cars with Israeli license plates. 

Over the past week, IDF operations have led to the arrest of 104 suspects and the seizure of nine weapons, including a machine gun, a shotgun, a long gun, two pistols, a hunting weapon and an M-16 rifle, as well as two airsoft guns, Israel Hayom reported. 

During the month of Ramadan, the Border Police will operate designated checkpoints for those wishing to visit the Temple Mount for prayers. The Judea and Samaria Division of the IDF will receive additional troops to guard the Seam Zone [the area around the security barrier]  and the crossings throughout Jerusalem. 

In recent years, the Israel Police, Border Police and the IDF have maintained an increased security presence in and around Jerusalem to help prevent tensions from escalating into violence.