Israel: Israeli Flag March through Jerusalem’s Old City planned June 10

Event

Nationalist groups have rescheduled the annual Israeli Flag March through Jerusalem’s Old City to June 10; the controversial event gets its name from the Israeli flags that participants carry. The parade traditionally occurs on Jerusalem Day May 10 to commemorate the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967 amid the Six-Day War. However, last month’s parade was rerouted due to clashes between police and Palestinian protesters and subsequently canceled mid-event after Hamas rocket fire targeted the city.

The parade will travel from the Damascus Gate entrance of the Old City through the Old City's Muslim Quarter and will end at the Western Wall. Clashes between Palestinian residents of the city and marchers and/or Israeli police are possible, especially given the violent demonstrations that have been recorded in East Jerusalem in recent weeks. Israeli security forces typically respond aggressively to perceived threats and have employed riot-control measures and occasionally fired warning shots or live ammunition during recent demonstrations. Authorities will tighten security measures throughout Jerusalem for the event; roadblocks and checkpoints are likely throughout the city.

Context

The planned march comes amid heightened tensions following a ceasefire agreement that ended cross-border fire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gaza-based militants May 21. Gazan militants launched over 4,300 rocket and mortar rounds toward communities in southern and central Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, May 10-21. The IDF responded with hundreds of retaliatory airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza. The recent bout of violence constituted the most intense cross-border fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces in almost a decade. At least 12 Israelis and over 230 Palestinians were killed amid the conflict, with over 1,500 others injured. While active hostilities have seemingly concluded and the ceasefire has held to date, further violence remains possible. Hamas has warned that events in Jerusalem may trigger a resumption of the conflict.

Advice

Avoid the Old City of Jerusalem on June 10 due to the potential for violence. Exercise caution and allow extra time for travel throughout the city. Ensure all travel and vehicle documents are in order. Heed the advice of authorities, including officers at security checkpoints. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt a response from Israeli security forces.