Israel, PT: Tensions likely to remain elevated in East Jerusalem and West Bank through at least end-August /update 5

Event

Tensions are likely to remain elevated in East Jerusalem and the West Bank through at least end-August following a recent series of deadly attacks, clashes, and Israeli security operations in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Israel has launched numerous security raids in the West Bank in response to attacks on Israeli settlers and security forces. Most recently, Israeli forces killed one Palestinian and injured 30 others in Nablus Aug. 17.

Palestinian demonstrations are likely over the coming weeks, particularly in the West Bank, to denounce Israeli security operations, associated clashes, and the arrests and killings of Palestinians. Further clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces are likely in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, some of which will probably result in the injury of dozens of Palestinians. An uptick in armed Palestinian attacks against Israeli individuals and interests is possible in the West Bank following a recent call by Hamas leaders for such violence; attacks are also possible in East Jerusalem and across Israel. Israeli settlers may stage further demonstrations and clash with Palestinian communities in the West Bank, triggering retaliatory Palestinian attacks near Israeli settlements. Additionally, a significant cross-border exchange between Israeli forces and Gaza-based militants is possible if levels of Israeli-Palestinian violence remain high in East Jerusalem and the West Bank over the coming weeks.

Context

This most recent bout of Israeli-Palestinian violence started when Israeli forces arrived to protect Jewish worshippers visiting Joseph's Tomb in Nablus Aug. 17. According to Israeli media, armed Palestinians fired at Israeli forces near the site. No Israeli casualties have been reported.

Flashpoint areas for the violence have included parts of Jerusalem's Old City (including the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif compound, Damascus Gate, Lion's Gate, Herod's Gate, and Chain Gate), as well as Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Palestinian refugee camps, and Israeli checkpoints and settlements in the West Bank.

Advice

Exercise caution while operating in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Avoid all demonstrations. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank before traveling. Heed the advice of local authorities. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints without authorities' permission.