IDF launches West Bank operation ahead of Ramadan to ‘ensure security and stability’

Ahead of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the Israeli military says it has begun an operation across the West Bank aimed at arresting Palestinians “advancing incitement and terror on social media.”

“In preparation for the blessed month of Ramadan, and as a step to ensure security and stability and combat terrorism, IDF troops have in recent days begun an operation across Judea and Samaria against elements advancing incitement and terror on social media networks,” says Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokeswoman, in a statement.

She says the operation is expected to continue throughout Ramadan, which begins tomorrow night and ends in late March.

“The message is clear: Ramadan is a month of family, community and unity. Do not allow terror organizations to ruin it for you, and do not be drawn after incitement on social media networks,” Waweya says.

As was the case last Ramadan, Israel will grant permits to 10,000 West Bank Palestinians — only males aged 55 and older, women at least 50 years old, and children aged 12 and below — to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers on the Temple Mount during Ramadan.