Israel: Heightened security likely after a security incident in Jerusalem's Old City Nov. 21 /update 1

Event

An earlier shooting incident at 09:00 Nov. 21 near the Chain Gate in Jerusalem's Old City has left one person dead and three injured. The assailant, reportedly from the Shuafat area of East Jerusalem, was armed with a gun and a knife. He was shot and killed by local security forces shortly after the start of the attack.

Israeli security personnel will likely heighten security in the impact area in the coming days. Security operations are also likely in the assailant's neighborhood as officials investigate the attack. Demonstrations in response to increased security measures or Israeli security operations are possible in East Jerusalem. The threat of confrontations at all protests in Palestinian-majority areas is elevated.

Context

Israeli security forces regularly foil attempted stabbing, shooting, and car-ramming incidents in Jerusalem and West Bank. The threat of such incidents increases during periods of heightened tensions surrounding controversial political developments or anniversaries marking key events. The most recent incident follows a stabbing attack on Nov. 17 near the Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva in the Old City of Jerusalem, which injured two Israeli security personnel. The assailant was shot and killed at the scene.

Advice

Exercise heightened awareness in the Old City in the coming days. Heed instructions of the local security forces.