Security officials are closely monitoring the West Bank during the month of Ramadan, balancing efforts to enable freedom of worship with heightened security concerns stemming from the war and the potential for escalation, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Iran.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, approximately 8,400 Palestinians with entry permits crossed through the Rachel and Qalandiya checkpoints to attend prayers in Israel, with roughly one-third being women. Permit holders are required to report back to their homes by 5 p.m., a procedure implemented since the start of the war.
This year, Ramadan coincides with the Jewish holiday of Purim, leading to dozens of planned settler events across the West Bank and the implementation of Cabinet decisions to expand settlement activity, including at the site of Sa-Nur in the northern West Bank.
“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.”
The stated mission, according to Lt. Col. A., is to “enable freedom of worship for both sides,” which includes allowing settlement-related activities and providing protection wherever necessary. Security forces are also preparing to implement a Cabinet decision regarding a return to Sa-Nur.
Defense officials are also closely monitoring Palestinians released in hostage exchange deals, expressing concern 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 possible Iran conflict
Despite what officials describe as relative stability during Ramadan, much of the security establishment’s attention is focused on the possibility of a war with Iran.
Central Command has completed preparations for a potential conflict with Iran, 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.”
Officials stated that, in the event of war, all gates to the Temple Mount would be closed in accordance with Home Front Command directives.
Within the Palestinian Authority, there is significant concern about a possible confrontation with Iran. Security officials said that beyond fears of missile fire, Palestinian leaders are worried about fuel and gas shortages and the possibility that goods would not arrive, further worsening an already fragile economic situation. Many areas lack adequate shelter infrastructure and in some places warning sirens cannot be heard.
Economic strain and terror concerns
Palestinian expectations for broader Ramadan easing measures — including increasing the number of worshippers allowed entry from 10,000 to 15,000 and lowering age restrictions — were not met, officials said.
The Palestinian Authority is facing economic difficulties and paid only about 50% of public sector salaries ahead of the holiday. Banks have tightened lending, and businesses in cities such as Ramallah report reduced activity. Some restaurants chose to close during Ramadan, anticipating that families would celebrate at home.
“The Palestinians entered the holiday in a difficult economic situation,” said Lt. Col. H., head of operations at the Civil Administration.
Central Command officials expressed concern that terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, may seek to exploit the economic hardship and the religious significance of Ramadan to rebuild terrorist networks that were recently dismantled.
In response, security forces carried out a series of arrests of known terrorist operatives in the lead-up to Ramadan, officials said.
