The horrific attack in Be'er Sheva is one of the most difficult, if not the worst, Israel has known in the last five years.
In an eight-minute killing spree, a terrorist, an Israeli citizen living in the Negev, managed to kill four innocent civilians and seriously injure two.
The terrorist, Muhammad Ghaleb Abu al-Qi'an, does not meet the profile of the average terrorist.
He is 34 years old, relatively old, a father of five and a former teacher.
Still, this is not an innocent citizen, but a person who was known to the defense establishment, and even sat in the Israeli prison for about four years, after he planned to cross the border into Syria and join ISIS.
Only this fact will require a serious home inspection in the defense establishment, and especially in the Shin Bet, which will now be required to provide explanations, and check whether it could not be traced before embarking on the murderous killing spree in the heart of one of Israel's major cities. Qi'an launched an attack on his own initiative, for ideological reasons.
Another security front was opened
In recent weeks, there have been quite a few assessments of the situation in preparation for the possibility of escalation during the next month, with the beginning of Ramadan, which will take place this year in parallel with Passover, and which also includes days of calamity, such as Asset Day and Nakba Day.
But in all the many situation assessments that have taken place, the defense establishment has focused on the possibility of a flare-up in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem, and less on the possibility that an Israeli minority member will decide to carry out a murderous attack.
At the moment, it is not certain that the severe attack in Be'er Sheva will have a direct effect on the security situation in Judea and Samaria and in Jerusalem. Especially in the age of viral videos on social media.
Fear of the imitation phenomenon adds to problematic circumstances, which could lead to a broad security escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Among them are the growing weakness of the Palestinian Authority, the difficult economic situation and the great frustration of the Palestinian public.
But the factor of particular concern to the security establishment is Hamas' attempts in Gaza to direct terrorist attacks in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem, while trying to differentiate between these areas and the calm that prevails in the Gaza Strip.
Yesterday, as expected, Hamas welcomed the assassination campaign in the heart of Be'er Sheva, which actually opened another security front for Israel.
This is a trend that was more pronounced about a year ago, during Operation The Wall Guard, when Hamas managed to get Israeli Arabs to take to the streets and protest, and in severe cases - to riot against Jews as well.
Therefore, in parallel with the field operations and the great vigilance with which the security forces will be required in the coming days, Israel will have to sharpen its messages to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and not allow it to escalate in Judea and Samaria, Jerusalem and possibly Israel. Benefits and work permits in Israel.
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