‘Israel’ wishes Ramadan kareem to Muslims amid continued religious violations

• The "Israeli" military and Foreign Ministry issued Ramadan greetings on social media while simultaneously announcing increased military incursions in the West Bank to target alleged "incitement and terror" during the holy month.
• For Palestinians in Gaza, this marks the third Ramadan under extreme humanitarian distress, while in Jerusalem, heavy police deployment and access restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The ‘Israeli’ military extended Tuesday wishes for a "peaceful Ramadan Kareem" to Muslims celebrating the holy month, even as military operations continue in Palestinian territories.

The greeting, posted on X by the official military account, features an image of a traditional lantern with Arabic calligraphy, symbolizing the start of Ramadan, which is set to begin on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in different Muslim countries.

The IDF wishes a peaceful Ramadan Kareem to all who celebrate! pic.twitter.com/A5gFp7VwuB

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 17, 2026

 ‘Israel’s” account on X, which is run by its Foreign Ministry, also posted a Ramadan greeting.

رمضان مبارك
It’s the 9th month again. Ramadan, a time of introspection.

Wishing all Israel’s Muslim citizens, and our Muslim friends & partners across the Middle East and beyond, a meaningful fast.#RamadanMubarak #RamadanKareem pic.twitter.com/Zal9KAb7QT

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) February 17, 2026

The post comes at a time when ‘Israeli’ forces are ramping up assaults and incursions in the West Bank, saying it will ramp up activities in the holy month which it claims ensures “security”.

Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, the military’s Arabic-language spokeswoman, claimed that the operation targets "elements advancing incitement and terror on social media," with arrests expected to continue throughout Ramadan.

In Gaza, this marks the third Ramadan under the ongoing ‘Israeli’ genocide, with residents facing fear, uncertainty, and dire humanitarian conditions.

Despite a ceasefire declared months ago, survivors grapple with despair, breaking their fasts in makeshift tents amid the ruins of prolonged assault.

Adding to the volatility, ‘Israeli’ police have deployed in force around Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, with Palestinian officials reporting curbs on access that they say violate religious freedoms.