Germany: Large protests in Berlin December 10

Event

Large demonstrations were held in Berlin on Sunday, December 10, to protest the recent US announcement that it will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin preparations to move the US Embassy to the city. Some 2500 protesters reportedly marched in Berlin's Neukölln district; some burned Israeli flags, according to local media reports, and at least 11 people were arrested during the protests. Also on Sunday, hundreds of people protested in front of the US Consulate in Düsseldorf, and clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators took place during associated protests in Munich.

Additional protests, heightened security measures, and associated traffic disruptions are possible in Berlin and other German cities in the coming days.

Context

Related protests against the US decision on Jerusalem were held in front of the US Embassy in Berlin late on Friday, December 8.

On Wednesday, December 6, President Trump announced that the US would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and begin making preparations to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The announcement marks a major departure from the longstanding US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country currently has an embassy in Jerusalem. Various world leaders had strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world. Numerous protests have been reported across the globe in the days since the announcement.

Advice

Individuals in Berlin and across Germany are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, report any suspicious behavior or activity to the police, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.