West Bank Security Tightened During Ramadan Amid Iran Conflict Concerns
Bethlehem, West Bank – Security measures in the West Bank have been heightened as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coincides with increased tensions and concerns over a potential conflict with Iran. Despite relative success in preventing escalation, Israeli security forces remain focused on potential threats from both within the West Bank and the broader regional landscape.
Ramadan and Religious Observances
On Friday, approximately 8,400 Palestinians with permits crossed through the Rachel and Qalandiya checkpoints to pray in Israel, with roughly one-third being women, according to defense officials. Permit holders are required to report their return home by 5 p.m.
This year, Ramadan overlaps with the Jewish holiday of Purim, leading to expectations of numerous settler events throughout the West Bank, alongside the implementation of Cabinet decisions to expand settlement activity, including at the Sa-Nur site in the northern West Bank.
Security Operations and Concerns
“The fact that it is Ramadan does not mean we halt operations,” stated Lt. Col. A., an operations officer in Central Command. “In the past week we carried out five major brigade-level operations, including arrests.”
Security forces aim to balance freedom of worship for both Muslims and Jews, providing protection for all religious activities. “Our mission is to enable freedom of worship for both sides,” Lt. Col. A. Explained. “That includes allowing all settlement-related activities. We will be wherever necessary to provide protection. We are carrying out all security measures required to enable a safe return to Sa-Nur. This is a Cabinet decision and we will implement it.”
Defense officials are closely monitoring Palestinians released in recent hostage exchange deals, warning that some may attempt to rebuild terrorist infrastructure. “Anyone who thinks those terrorists will not return to terrorism and attempt to rebuild infrastructure is mistaken,” a security official said. “We are conducting a range of actions, some daily. Anyone who tries to establish terrorist infrastructure — we will reach them.”
Focus on Potential Iran Conflict
Despite managing the Ramadan period, much of the security establishment’s attention is focused on the possibility of war with Iran. Central Command has completed preparations for this scenario, including contingency plans affecting the West Bank during Ramadan.
“We have completed the relevant operational planning for the West Bank in the context of Iran,” Lt. Col. A. Said. “Decisions regarding the entry of worshippers in the event of war will be made by the political leadership. Whether there is an order to close crossings or allow movement during fighting, we will know how to implement it.”
In the event of war, all gates to the Temple Mount would be closed in accordance with Home Front Command directives.
Palestinian authorities also express significant concern about a potential confrontation with Iran, fearing missile fire, fuel and gas shortages, and disruptions to the supply of goods, which would exacerbate an already fragile economic situation. Many areas lack adequate shelter infrastructure, and warning sirens are not audible in some locations.
Economic Strain and Humanitarian Concerns
Palestinian expectations for broader Ramadan easing measures – such as increasing the number of permitted worshippers from 10,000 to 15,000 and lowering age restrictions – were not met. The Palestinian Authority is facing economic difficulties, having paid only about 50% of public sector salaries ahead of the holiday. Banks have tightened lending, and businesses in cities like Ramallah report reduced activity, with some restaurants closing during Ramadan anticipating families will celebrate at home.
“The Palestinians entered the holiday in a difficult economic situation,” said Lt. Col. H., head of operations at the Civil Administration.
Security officials are concerned that terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, may exploit the economic hardship and religious significance of Ramadan to rebuild terrorist networks. In response, security forces have carried out a series of arrests of known terrorist operatives in the lead-up to Ramadan.
Checkpoint 300: A Key Crossing Point
Checkpoint 300, also known as the Bethlehem checkpoint, the Gilo Checkpoint, or the Rachel’s Tomb checkpoint, remains open as of September 2025, serving as one of three checkpoints allowing Palestinian Authority ID holders (with operate permits) to cross into Israel. Though, entry requirements have been tightened, with access currently limited to children under 12, women over 50, and men over 55. It is also the only checkpoint authorized for use by employees of the United States government due to inconsistent closures at other locations. The checkpoint is located within the West Bank, near Rachel’s Tomb.