The Strategic Situation in Jerusalem Demands a Change of Policy | iNSS

The uniqueness of the current outbreak of violence is that those driving it are the young Palestinians of East Jerusalem, who demonstrate willingness to confront Israeli military and police forces and engage in acts of sacrifice. The events in Jerusalem refute three basic assumptions that thus far have guided the policy of the Israeli government. The first is that the status quo is sustainable, not only on the Temple Mount, but also in Israel’s greater regional strategic situation, and that any alternative would have more negative implications than those of the current situation. The second assumption is that Israel can remain isolated from the upheavals in the Arab world, particularly the increased strength of the radicals under the influence of the Islamic State and other Salafi jihadi organizations. The third assumption is that Jerusalem in its current greater borders is united and will remain so.