Why Does Israel Like Attacking Enemies During Ramadan? Coincidence or Tactics?
Jerusalem, CNBC Indonesia - Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims and is associated with an increase in acts of worship. Yet, the holy month is often tainted by bloody conflicts arising from Israeli attacks.
Ramadan is often a period of heightened tension in conflicts and in the Middle East. A number of incidents of violence, military operations, and clashes at holy sites have repeatedly occurred during the month. Analysts say this situation is linked to religious, political, and security factors converging at the same time.
According to Turkish writer Taha Kilinic in Yeni Safak, there are several reasons why tensions often rise during Ramadan. First, Ramadan brings thousands to hundreds of thousands of Muslims together to worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This large gathering makes the situation highly sensitive, so minor frictions can quickly trigger clashes. Second, Jerusalem, especially the Al-Aqsa complex, holds profound religious and political significance for various parties. Therefore, security measures, access restrictions, or police operations in the area are often seen as provocations and could provoke escalation.
Analysts also view Ramadan as an important moment for Muslim communities worldwide; as a result, any military operation or security action during this period tends to carry a greater emotional impact than at other times of the year.
From a military and geopolitical perspective, some observers term this condition ‘psychological timing’. Attacks during the holy month can place moral pressure on the opponent, while also potentially triggering broader regional or global reactions.
Here are several events recorded to have occurred during Ramadan in recent years:
- Joint US-Israel Attack on Iran (February-March 2026)
From 28 February to early March 2026, reports described a campaign of air strikes and joint military operations by the United States and Israel against various targets in Iran. The attacks targeted several cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
Initial reports put the death toll at around 555 to 787 people. On the same day, a missile attack also destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, with about 180 casualties, many of whom were children.
The latest attack devastated the world by killing dozens of senior officials, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
- Escalation of Attacks in Gaza (March 2025)
Tensions rose again in the Gaza Strip in March 2025. On 18 March 2025, a major military strike killed more than 330 people and wounded over 440. Between 11-17 March 2025, military operations also killed 116 people and wounded 149. During the same period, an attack on a charity organisation in Beit Lahia killed nine people.
- Early Ramadan Attack in Gaza (March 2024)
On 11-12 March 2024, Israeli air strikes targeted the Hamas underground complex in Nusseirat, central Gaza. In these early Ramadan operations, 67 people were killed and 106 others wounded.
- Storming of the Al-Aqsa Complex (April 2023)
Tensions rose in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as Israeli police stormed the mosque area at night with stun grenades, tear gas, and batons. The incident left dozens injured and about 400 Palestinians arrested.
- Clashes and Israeli Air Strikes (April 2022)
Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa complex on 29 April 2022 left at least 42 people injured. Earlier on 22 April 2022, Israeli police raided the mosque complex using tear gas fired from drones. The day before, on 21 April 2022, Israel also carried out air strikes on underground facilities in central Gaza.
- Al-Aqsa Disorder (May 2021)
On 7 May 2021, a major clash occurred at the Al-Aqsa complex when Israeli police used stun grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets against worshippers. More than 300 people were reported injured.
- Operation Protective Edge (July-August 2014)
The Gaza War known as Operation Protective Edge also took place during Ramadan 2014. This intensive military campaign launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip resulted in hundreds of Palestinian children killed and thousands injured.
- Israeli Military Invasion in the West Bank (2002)
During Ramadan 2002, Israeli forces carried out a military invasion of several Palestinian towns such as Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus. Human rights organisations reported at least seven killed and dozens wounded in the operation.