Israel: Heightened security likely in East Jerusalem after Hamas militant attack kills one person, wounds four others in Old City Nov. 21 /update 2

Event

Israeli security forces are likely to maintain a heightened presence in East Jerusalem through at least late November after a Hamas militant fatally shot one Israeli and wounded four others in Jerusalem's Old City Nov. 21. Israeli security forces shot and killed the militant at the scene of the attack, located near an entrance to the Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett instructed security forces to "mobilize accordingly and demonstrate vigilance" following the attack, which was the second armed assault in Jerusalem in several days.

Also, notably, Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinians at the entrance to East Jerusalem's Shuafat Refugee Camp late Nov. 21, firing tear gas at demonstrators who hurled rocks after hundreds of Palestinians participated in a march through the refugee camp. Palestinian activists in Shuafat have declared a general strike in schools and shops following the Nov. 21 attack.

Additionally, dozens of Israeli demonstrators marched through the Old City Nov. 21 to the site of the Hamas assault.

Further demonstrations connected with the Nov. 21 attack are likely in Jerusalem over the coming days, particularly in the Old City. Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians are possible near demonstration sites. Any additional demonstrations or operations conducted by Israeli security forces may prompt localized transport and business disruptions in affected areas.

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 Nov. 21 assault follows a Nov. 17 stabbing attack near the Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City which injured two Israeli security personnel; the assailant was shot and killed at the scene.

Advice

Avoid areas of East Jerusalem affected by demonstrations and clashes. Prepare for possible transport disruptions; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent scenes of unrest. Exercise heightened vigilance in Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City, over the short term.