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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
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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.

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Italy Plans to Return Ambassador to Syria to Reflect New Diplomatic Developments, Minister Says

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks while meeting with members of the G7, on July 11, 2024, during the NATO summit in Washington. (AP)
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks while meeting with members of the G7, on July 11, 2024, during the NATO summit in Washington. (AP)
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Italy Plans to Return Ambassador to Syria to Reflect New Diplomatic Developments, Minister Says

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks while meeting with members of the G7, on July 11, 2024, during the NATO summit in Washington. (AP)
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaks while meeting with members of the G7, on July 11, 2024, during the NATO summit in Washington. (AP)

Italy plans to send an ambassador back to Syria after a decade-long absence, the country’s foreign minister said, in a diplomatic move that could spark divisions among European Union allies.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking in front of relevant parliamentary committees Thursday, announced Rome’s intention to re-establish diplomatic ties with Syria to prevent Russia from monopolizing diplomatic efforts in the Middle Eastern country.

Moscow is considered a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has remained in power despite widespread Western isolation and civilian casualties since the start of Syria’s civil war in March 2011.

Peaceful protests against the Assad government — part of the so-called “Arab Spring” popular uprisings that spread across some of the Middle East — were met by a brutal crackdown, and the uprising quickly spiraled into a full-blown civil war.

The conflict was further complicated by the intervention of foreign forces on all sides and a rising militancy, first by al-Qaida-linked groups and then the ISIS group until its defeat on the battlefield in 2019.

The war, which has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half the country’s pre-war population of 23 million, is now largely frozen, despite ongoing low-level fighting.

The country is effectively carved up into areas controlled by the Damascus-based government of Assad, various opposition groups and Syrian Kurdish forces.

In the early days of the conflict, many Western and Arab countries cut off relations with Syria, including Italy, which has since managed Syria-related diplomacy through its embassy in Beirut.

However, since Assad has regained control over most of the territory, neighboring Arab countries have gradually restored relations, with the most symbolically significant move coming last year when Syria was re-admitted to the Arab League.

Tajani said Thursday the EU’s policy in Syria should be adapted to the “development of the situation,” adding that Italy has received support from Austria, Croatia, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Slovakia.

However, the US and allied countries in Europe have largely continued to hold firm in their stance against Assad’s government, due to concerns over human rights violations.