Give Hamas leaders some credit: They warned Israel that at exactly 6pm on May 10, if things aren’t changed in Jerusalem, they would launch rockets. Then they did. At exactly 6pm, Hamas launched rockets at Jerusalem, Ashkelon and other cities and towns.
Surely, the warning was just an exercise to make it all seem more dramatic. Hamas was under no illusion that Israel would surrender its control over Jerusalem — neither by six nor later. The threat was an excuse, as if Israel is at fault. Israel did not heed the warning, hence the launching. The Middle East often feels like a kindergarten of adults with real weapons.
So, why is Hamas launching now? That’s complicated. It always is complicated, but here are some of the drivers behind the current tension:
- A decision by the Palestinian Authority not to hold an election, as Hamas was likely to win.
- Springtime and the ease of the pandemic.
- The battle over ownership of houses in an East Jerusalem neighborhood. To understand this event, we’d need another article. Let’s just say: It’s not just about bad Jews and good Arabs — nor the other way around.
- The month of Ramadan, and the religious fervor surrounding it.
- Jerusalem Day, which falls on the month of Ramadan and provides additional complications.
- An Israeli government that barely functions and coalition negotiations that seem likely to bring about a new government. It’s possible that Hamas does not want to see an Israeli coalition supported by Arab Israelis.
There are probably more reasons if we dig deeper. There are always more. The bottom line is still the same: Hamas made itself a hero for the day. It made Israel seem a little confused. It will probably get some political traction out of its aggressive posture. The United States already expressed its great worry about tensions in the region, the UN is likely to condemn Israel, as it usually does, and a few Arab countries were quick to join the chorus of those more concerned about Israel’s attempts to take over Temple Mount than keeping Jerusalem safe.
The bottom line is still the same: Hamas made itself a hero for the day. It made Israel seem a little confused. It will probably get some political traction out of its aggressive posture.
The current barrage of rockets could lead to a prolonged conflict. When Ehud Olmert was about to end his term as prime minister, he launched operation Cast Lead in Gaza. Netanyahu is about to end his own term, and he can also decide that he has less to lose, politically speaking, if he launches his own version of a Gaza operation.
More likely, though, is a familiar scenario: a few days of skirmishes and then a cease fire. Gazans will end up in as bad a position as they entered. It will not make them more prosperous or happier. Any triumph they celebrate today is sad even for those on the supposed losing end — Israelis. Yes, it is maddening too. But when there are only losers, it’s more sad than anything.
Shmuel Rosner is an Israeli columnist, editor, and researcher. He is the editor of the research and data-journalism website themadad.com and is the political editor of the Jewish Journal.
There Is No One Reason for the Violent Mess in Jerusalem
Shmuel Rosner
Give Hamas leaders some credit: They warned Israel that at exactly 6pm on May 10, if things aren’t changed in Jerusalem, they would launch rockets. Then they did. At exactly 6pm, Hamas launched rockets at Jerusalem, Ashkelon and other cities and towns.
Surely, the warning was just an exercise to make it all seem more dramatic. Hamas was under no illusion that Israel would surrender its control over Jerusalem — neither by six nor later. The threat was an excuse, as if Israel is at fault. Israel did not heed the warning, hence the launching. The Middle East often feels like a kindergarten of adults with real weapons.
So, why is Hamas launching now? That’s complicated. It always is complicated, but here are some of the drivers behind the current tension:
There are probably more reasons if we dig deeper. There are always more. The bottom line is still the same: Hamas made itself a hero for the day. It made Israel seem a little confused. It will probably get some political traction out of its aggressive posture. The United States already expressed its great worry about tensions in the region, the UN is likely to condemn Israel, as it usually does, and a few Arab countries were quick to join the chorus of those more concerned about Israel’s attempts to take over Temple Mount than keeping Jerusalem safe.
The current barrage of rockets could lead to a prolonged conflict. When Ehud Olmert was about to end his term as prime minister, he launched operation Cast Lead in Gaza. Netanyahu is about to end his own term, and he can also decide that he has less to lose, politically speaking, if he launches his own version of a Gaza operation.
More likely, though, is a familiar scenario: a few days of skirmishes and then a cease fire. Gazans will end up in as bad a position as they entered. It will not make them more prosperous or happier. Any triumph they celebrate today is sad even for those on the supposed losing end — Israelis. Yes, it is maddening too. But when there are only losers, it’s more sad than anything.
Shmuel Rosner is an Israeli columnist, editor, and researcher. He is the editor of the research and data-journalism website themadad.com and is the political editor of the Jewish Journal.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
John Ondrasik, Jonah Platt Highlight AJC, ADL Press Briefing at UCLA Hillel
Shabbat Prayer for Our College Students and Ourselves
1,400 Yizkors
Being Good is Easier to Resist than Sweezy vs New Hampshire
A Bisl Torah – Souls Connected
All the Fish in the Sea – A poem for Parsha Acharei Mot
Culture
Welcome Back, Carbs!
A Perfect Pair of Confits
‘The Enemy Beside Me’: Can the Truth of Lithuania Holocaust History Be Told in Lithuania to Lithuanians and By Lithuanians?
A History of a Pivotal Era in Palestine Wins a Top Jewish Book Prize
State Legislator Demands Federal Probe into UCLA’s Failure to Protect Pupils
Assembly member Rick Chavez Zbur said UCLA’s inaction “likely violate” Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Chancellor Block Addresses Pro-Palestinian Encampment Removal: “It Needed to Come to an End”
Block said the encampment “became a focal point for serious violence.”
Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment at UCLA
More than 200 protesters were arrested during the late night raid.
The Assault: A Coordinated Attack on America’s Jews and Israel
American Jews are awakening to a new political reality concerning our changing status and position in the United States.
We Need Tactical Training to Combat Campus Antisemitism
We need on-the-ground tactical training for Jewish student activists and leaders if the Jewish community is going to push back against this madness and protect college students.
Hollywood
Spielberg Says Antisemitism Is “No Longer Lurking, But Standing Proud” Like 1930s Germany
Young Actress Juju Brener on Her “Hocus Pocus 2” Role
Behind the Scenes of “Jeopardy!” with Mayim Bialik
Podcasts
Chico Menashe: Asif: Culinary Institute of Israel, Cooking with Chutzpah and The Open Kitchen Project
Beth Lee: OMG Yummy, Exciting Flavors and Preserved Lemons
More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.