Israel struggles to curb latest wave of ‘low tech’ violence in Palestinian unrest

A knife concealed in a bag or a shirt has become the weapon of choice and symbol of the Palestinian conflict with Israel, with 19 stabbings targeting Jews since October 3. The attacks have killed two Israelis and wounded more than 20 others, including a 13-year-old who was critically injured on Monday, and have had a powerful psychological impact. In a fiery speech before parliament, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed not to be defeated by knife violence while simultaneously accusing Arab parties of “undermining” the country.

We are dealing with individuals who are using the most basic weapons of terror that exist and we cannot hunt down knives.

Miri Eisin, a former military intelligence colonel

Israelis are well versed in developing technological responses to threats, such as the vaunted Iron Dome anti-missile system. But they are challenged by the current wave of low-tech knife and other rudimentary tool attacks. Israeli television has even broadcast self-defence experts demonstrating their techniques to spread awareness. Use of the knife has come to epitomise the desperation of Palestinian youth who have lost faith in their leaders. Both Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have been unable to contain the current flood of violence in their countries.  Netanyahu is under intense pressure from his hard-line coalition partners to launch a crackdown. And while Abbas has spoken out against violence, he is deeply unpopular at home due to the failure of peace talks and lack of hope for ending nearly 50 years of Israeli occupation.

Hey, occupiers! With a knife there’s no air raid siren to warn you.

One anonymous commentator wrote on the Palestinian blogosphere

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