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On March 10, Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, will begin. Leading up to this month, the public and political discourse is primarily focused on the importance of preparing from a security standpoint for this occasion, particularly in light of the war in the Gaza Strip and lessons of the past. This crucial discussion on this complex issue addresses various aspects, including the question of whether it is right to limit the prayer of Muslim Arabs, citizens of Israel, at al-Aqsa Mosque, contrary to the norm during Ramadan. In short, from a security standpoint, such restrictions are not necessary. Not only do they lack political or military wisdom, but they may cause significant long-term harm to the delicate relations between the Jewish majority and the Arab minority.

The longer answer is more complex for several important reasons:

1. The principle of constitutional equality in Israel prohibits discrimination, including on religious grounds. Imposing restrictions on groups in this case is a blatant deviation from this critical and valuable principle.
2. Since October 7, and throughout the war, Arab citizens of Israel have consistently shown restraint. They have avoided escalating tension with the Jews, maintained their daily routines, and continued essential interactions with Jews. Arab society should be commended for their restraint and should be supported by the government. Preventing their access to al-Aqsa could be seen as a deliberate provocation by the government.
3. Radical groups among Arab citizens who oppose stability and integration may exploit these restrictions to incite rebellion or violent provocations against Jews.
4. By escalating tensions between Jews and Arabs in Israel, the conflict could intensify to the point of widespread violent clashes, particularly in the mixed cities. This perspective is also shared by security officials, who also oppose such sweeping restrictions.
5. Besides the potential escalation of tensions in East Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria at both civilian and terrorist levels, such a scenario could fulfill the hopes of Hamas for the “unification of the arenas,” blur the crucial distinction between Palestinians inside and outside of Israel, and arouse fierce opposition among moderate Arab countries and the Muslim world.
6. In practical terms, this scenario would present a serious challenge to the police and security forces at a time when the focus should be on the Gaza arena, potentially jeopardizing the chances of achieving a military victory against Hamas.
7. This grim scenario would set back Jewish–Arab relations for years, serving as a painful contrast to improving relations in the future, following the restraint shown by Arab citizens and their leaders. It would deepen mutual fear between the groups and strengthen the extremists on both sides.
8. Alternatively, in the face of concrete information about incitement or serious disturbances to the public order, it is appropriate and expected of the police to intervene and prevent any threat, whether by an individual or a group.

The government, the politicians, and the leadership of the Arab public must act during this period to preserve the peace and stability essential in the domestic arena.