Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
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Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers

Israeli security forces in Tel Aviv, along with the army and Shin Bet, are discussing worst-case scenarios and making plans for potential dangers during Ramadan.

With no ceasefire in Gaza and the Israeli government hesitating to take decisive action, concerns about escalation are rising.

The worst-case scenarios, according to Israeli security, involve a major security outbreak in the West Bank and Jerusalem, possibly leading to a third Intifada or uprising.

Reports from Palestinians in East Jerusalem’s Old City suggest heightened security measures, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque, with increased patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints.

Israeli authorities are still controlling the number of Muslims allowed to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, while Jews continue to have access with police protection.

They’re also considering a plan to restrict West Bank residents from entering and reduce the number of Muslim visitors from East Jerusalem and Israeli citizens during this month.

Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Hatem Al-Bakri stated that Israeli forces entered Al-Aqsa Mosque 20 times last February and prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron 44 times.

He mentioned daily incursions by settlers at Al-Aqsa, tighter restrictions on Palestinians entering, constant identity checks, and detentions of worshippers.

The Palestinian minister clarified that the actions against Al-Aqsa aren’t about security but are aimed at undermining Palestinians’ religious rights.

Regarding other religious sites, he mentioned settlers damaging a mosque in Masafir Yatta near Hebron, vandalizing its contents, and stealing equipment.

Al-Bakri also noted Israeli forces raiding a mosque in the village of Al-Majaz in Masafir Yatta, causing destruction and desecration.



Lebanon Receives Archival Maps from France on its Borders with Syria

People crosses into Syria through the Masnaa border crossing point in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
People crosses into Syria through the Masnaa border crossing point in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Lebanon Receives Archival Maps from France on its Borders with Syria

People crosses into Syria through the Masnaa border crossing point in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
People crosses into Syria through the Masnaa border crossing point in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Lebanon received on Thursday a set of copies of archival documents and maps from France related to its border lines with Syria, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

The maps, delivered at the official request of Lebanon, were handed to Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji.

In a post on its X page, the Foreign Ministry said that Rajji received French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, who delivered a set of historical documents and maps from the French archives related to the Lebanese-Syrian border.

The papers are expected to assist Lebanon in the demarcation process of its land borders with neighboring Syria.

Lebanon shares a 330-kilometer (205-mile) border with Syria with no official demarcation at several points.