Wave of Stabbing Attacks Marks Start of 'Knife Intifada'

A new wave of Palestinian attacks, primarily stabbings targeting Israeli civilians and security forces, has erupted across Jerusalem and the West Bank, marking what many are calling the beginning of a “knife intifada” or “lone wolf intifada.”

Recent Attacks

Past Week:

• 2 Israelis killed in Jerusalem Old City
• Multiple stabbing attempts daily
• Palestinian attackers mostly teenagers
• Attacks spreading to Tel Aviv, West Bank
• Most attackers killed or wounded by security forces

Triggering Factors

Temple Mount Tensions:

• Jewish visits during holidays increased
• Palestinian fears of status quo change
• Al-Aqsa Mosque “in danger” rhetoric
• Clashes with police during prayers
• Social media rumors spreading

Political Vacuum:

• No peace process horizon
• PA weakness growing
• Hamas encouraging violence
• Israeli government rightward shift
• Youth frustration peaking

Character of Violence

New Pattern:

1. Lone wolf attacks - No organizational structure
2. Young attackers - Many teenagers, some as young as 13
3. Spontaneous acts - Inspired by social media
4. Knife attacks - Easy weapon access
5. Jerusalem focus - Symbolic importance

Social Media Role:

• Facebook pages glorifying attackers
• “How to stab” instructional videos
• Real-time incitement spreading
• Martyrdom culture online
• Israeli counter-efforts failing

Israeli Response

Security Measures:

• Massive police deployment in Jerusalem
• Checkpoints increased
• Palestinian neighborhoods sealed
• Concrete blocks at bus stops
• Citizens carrying weapons

Political Response:

Prime Minister Netanyahu: “We are in an ongoing battle against terror. I call on all citizens to be vigilant.”

Calls for:

• Demolishing attackers’ homes
• Revoking residency rights
• Deploying military to cities
• Armed civilian guards

Palestinian Dynamics

Popular Sentiment:

• Anger over Temple Mount
• Despair over occupation
• Social media mobilization
• Copycat phenomenon
• Martyrdom glorification

Leadership Response:

President Abbas condemned violence but blamed “Israeli provocations” at holy sites.

Hamas praised attacks as “natural response to occupation crimes.”

Casualties Mounting

October Statistics:

• 8 Israelis killed
• 30+ Palestinians killed (most while attacking)
• Dozens wounded both sides
• Daily incidents continuing

International Concern

• UN: Called for calm and restraint
• US: Condemned attacks, urged de-escalation
• EU: Worried about spiral of violence
• Jordan: Warned about Al-Aqsa tensions

Different from Previous Intifadas

First Intifada (1987-1993):

• Mass popular uprising
• Stone throwing primary
• Clear leadership structure

Second Intifada (2000-2005):

• Armed groups dominant
• Suicide bombings central
• Heavy casualties both sides

Current Wave:

• Individual attacks
• No central command
• Social media driven
• Harder to prevent

Analysis: A New Challenge

This wave presents unique challenges:

1. Unpredictability - No intelligence on lone wolves
2. Youth involvement - Teenagers beyond deterrence
3. Religious dimension - Al-Aqsa as rallying cry
4. Viral spread - Social media acceleration
5. No address - No organization to negotiate with

The “knife intifada” reflects deeper trends:

• Failed peace process legacy
• Generational despair
• Religious tensions rising
• Social media’s dark power
• Leaderless resistance model

Without addressing root causes, this new form of violence may prove more difficult to contain than previous organized uprisings.