Israel/Palestinian Territories: Increased security expected for commemoration of the establishment of Israel May 15

Event

Increased security measures are expected leading up to and through Monday, May 15, when people will either commemorate Israel's Independence Day or Nakba Day. Numerous events are planned for both commemorations. Spot-checks in Jerusalem and border crossing closures with the Palestinian Territories are likely. Protests and clashes with security forces are possible.

Context

May 15 marks the day that Israel gained independence in 1948 following the United Nations (UN) mandate. However, to many Palestinians Nakba Day ("Day of Catastrophe") marks the displacement of millions of Palestinians.

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Israel claims that these incidents are largely the result of the Palestinian Authority (PA) fueling social unrest with calls to protest, whereas Palestinians criticize what they describe as an illegal occupation by the Israeli population. Tensions have been mounting since a December UNSC resolution condemned Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories as illegal; meanwhile, Israel continues to regularly demolish homes owned by Palestinians.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should avoid all forms of demonstrations, protests, and gatherings due to the risk of violence.

On a separate note, due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Israel should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).