The flag march may be the direct cause of the new tensions, but there is much more to it. It is Naftali Bennett’s first week as prime minister. He has formed a coalition with middle- and left-wing parties, and even with an Arab party. Some of his right-wing nationalist supporters are not happy about that.
“He wants to show them that he doesn’t just let the fire balloon attacks happen,” says Brock. “That despite the cooperation with all those parties he stands up for the security of Israel. That is why he has again bombed Gaza.”
Reconstruction Gaza
Meanwhile, Hamas has been under pressure since the ceasefire to repair the damage caused by the 11-day Israeli bombing campaign. In the Gaza Strip, some 2,000 homes have been destroyed, important infrastructure destroyed and power plants have been shut down. Reconstruction is only slowly getting under way.
In recent years, Qatar has sent millions of dollars to Gaza. That money flow is now blocked by Israel. Hamas says it needs the money for reconstruction, but Israel says it is used for weapons.
The situation is not only tense in Gaza and Israel. It has also been restless in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in recent weeks. Palestinians were injured at the Damascus Gate by the actions of the Israeli police. The protesters threw stones, police said.
West Bank
Palestinians also demonstrate weekly in the West Bank. Things get out of hand there, especially in the vicinity of Nablus. According to Palestinian media, the Israeli army killed five Palestinians during demonstrations there. The victims protested against the establishment of an illegal Jewish settlement on their village territory. Once again, both sides accuse each other of starting the violence.
In early May, Israeli settlers settled in the village. It started with a few caravans, but the settlement continues to expand. For Prime Minister Bennett, the tense situation at Nablus is likely to be the next big challenge since he started his new role 5 days ago.
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