West Bank: Number of attacks drops but tensions rise
Despite a sharp decline in the number of attacks and fatalities in the West Bank, tensions in the area are actually rising due to Israeli policy that includes weakening the Palestinian Authority, land seizures, and Jewish terrorism. Data shows a steady decrease in attacks but an increase in nationalist crime incidents. The tension takes on a dangerous religious dimension, with mosque burnings and entrenchment on the Temple Mount. Hamas exploits the vacuum, and the PA calls for internationalizing the West Bank.
Despite a sharp decline in the number of attacks and fatalities in the West Bank, tensions in the area are actually rising due to a policy shift on the Israeli side. According to data, the number of fatalities from attacks dropped from 41 in 2023 to 35 in 2024, to 20 in 2025, and so far in 2026 stands at only four. The number of significant attacks fell from six in March to four in April and to two in May and June. However, in the first half of 2026, 660 nationalist crime incidents were recorded in the West Bank, compared to 405 in the second half of 2025. The article attributes the rise in tension to a "revolution" promoted by Smotrich, which includes weakening the PA, land seizures, and a rise in Jewish terrorism. The tension takes on a dangerous religious dimension, with mosque burnings and entrenchment on the Temple Mount. Hamas exploits the vacuum, and the PA calls for internationalizing the West Bank. The article warns of a scenario of disobedience and violence if a new government tries to curb the "revolution."