Israel: Israeli Flag March through Jerusalem’s Old City rescheduled for June 15

Event

Nationalist groups have rescheduled the annual Israeli Flag March through East Jerusalem to June 15 after reportedly reaching an agreement with police regarding the parade route. The event was initially scheduled for June 10 but authorities canceled it due to concerns that the proposed route through the Old City's Damascus Gate could spark violence amid heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions. The new route will begin at HaNevi’im Street and first take participants to Damascus Gate, where they will dance with Israeli flags. Marchers will not, however, enter the Old City through Damascus Gate; instead, they will move to Jaffa Gate and march to the Western Wall from that entrance. Police have yet to confirm the details of the parade route.

The parade is traditionally held on May 10 - Jerusalem Day - to commemorate the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967 following the Six-Day War. However, the parade in May was canceled due to the recent cross-border conflict between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and militant groups in the Gaza Strip.

Clashes between Palestinian residents of the city and marchers and/or Israeli police are possible, especially given the violent demonstrations that have taken place 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. The recent bout of violence constituted the most intense cross-border fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces in almost a decade. 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 15 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.