Israeli Army Considers Seizing Palestinian Neighborhoods in Jerusalem

Cites Tensions as Reason to Seize Area Outside Border Wall

Citing mounting tensions with the Palestinians, the Israeli military has confirmed to media outlets that they are in the process of considering a plan to seize Palestinian neighborhoods that are technically in Jerusalem, but which lie outside of the barrier of separation.

Shuafat Refugee Camp

The Palestinian areas targeted include Kafr Aqab, and the Shuafat refugee camp. Exactly what changes this would make for the inhabitants of those neighborhoods is unclear, including if it would change their civil status.

The neighborhoods are in a rather unique situation as it stands, physically cut off from Jerusalem by the barrier wall, but technically part of it, meaning those living there have residency status, and the Israeli police are already operating therein.

Though the military is being extremely vague about what all of this means, that they’re couching it as a reaction to the Jerusalem protests likely means it will boil down to something of a crackdown against the Palestinians.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.