The Israeli security service went to great efforts to contain, restrain and eradicate the terror wave that began just over a year ago in October 2015, and has since received the appellation "individual intifada." These security service efforts included the development of special algorithms that monitor social networks to track down potential assailants according to the status updates they write, before they embark on their evil schemes. Other efforts include massive reinforcement of security service personnel in areas surrounding East Jerusalem, stiffening punishments for lawbreakers and intensifying pressure on West Bank Palestinian populations who engage in terror activities, versus the easing of restrictions on terror-free areas.
The terror wave had died down in recent months and Israelis started to breathe more easily. Nevertheless, anyone who knows anything about security and terror had realized that the Jewish holiday season in October — from Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year), to Yom Kippur (day of fasting) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) — would be the true terror litmus test. This Jewish month of Tishrei is always the most worrisome period of the year because of the tension enveloping Jerusalem, which is nowadays flooded with Jewish pilgrims. Hence, there are numerous frictions and flash points at this time between the religions and the various adversaries in the city.