Threats From East Jerusalem

The last two major terrorist attacks to occur in Israel have both taken place in Jerusalem, and also have both been perpetrated by Arabs from East Jerusalem.

East Jerusalem was seized by Israel as a result of the 1967 conflict, and the predominantly Arab population can work and travel freely throughout Israel. Many East Jerusalem Arabs have even openly claimed their fear of being back under Arab control, since they have more rights and benefits under Israeli rule. However, a new fear is starting to circulate among Israeli’s; East Jerusalem Arabs are still highly influenced by outside sources:

“They may work for Jews; they may receive health and social benefits from the Zionist state, but culturally and politically they are inseparable from the surrounding Arab milieu,” the editorial stated. “They watch the same satellite TV and hear preachers espousing the same radical messages as their compatriots in the West Bank and Gaza.”

Israelis believe that the Arabs of East Jerusalem have the potential to join the “struggle” against Israel.

This is the second attack since March in Jerusalem, and eleven innocent Israeli’s – mainly young adults and children – have been murdered.

I can understand that Israel wanted to be fair and give the Arabs from this district full rights and recognition when they came under Israeli control in 1967, but this group of more than half a million is becoming a great threat to the country, and Israel must began making plans to deal with an impending crisis. As long as Arabs there have the ability to travel anywhere in Israel, I see more terrorist attacks in the future.