A senior political official refuted National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's demand at the scene of Friday's deadly ramming attack in Jerusalem for launching what he called "Operation Defensive Shield 2" in eastern Jerusalem.
The official emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would only decide on an operation in Jerusalem following a consultation with the entire defense establishment and deliberation in the Security Cabinet. "A decision on a second Operation Defensive Shield isn't made by a minister on a street corner," said the official.
According to the official, initial investigations found that the terrorist who perpetrated Friday's attack was mentally ill and was released from a psychiatric hospital earlier in the week. The official pointed out that the terrorist resided in a rented apartment in Isawiya in eastern Jerusalem, and therefore it is unclear if it is legally possible to seal or demolish his home.
The official stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu does not think there is a reason to take steps of collective punishment against eastern Jerusalem residents in response to the attack, especially since Israeli is trying to calm the situation ahead of Ramadan and Passover and so the defense establishment can concentrate on the Iranian threat.
There are operational steps that can and should be taken against lone wolves, but they need to be done in a balanced way. There is a large population in eastern Jerusalem that doesn't carry out terror attacks. We want everyone to enjoy the freedom of worship on Ramadan and Passover," the official concluded.