Israel, PT: Increased security and transport disruptions likely during Jerusalem Day celebrations May 18-19

Event

Authorities will tighten security throughout Israel for Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim) celebrations; the holiday will begin the evening of May 18 and continue through the evening of May 19. Security measures will be particularly stringent throughout Jerusalem in the days before and after the holiday due to the various public events planned for the week in question.

Security forces will increase patrols near popular tourist sites, public transport hubs, and other crowded areas ahead of and during the holiday period. In Israel, roadblocks and checkpoints are likely at the entrances to major cities and other heavily populated areas Israel has already implemented some security enhancements in response to a recent wave of terror attacks and prevailing tensions between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gaza-based militants.

As part of the elevated security posture, the IDF could close all border crossings to the West Bank and Gaza Strip for the holiday. The military routinely closes border crossings between Israel and the Palestinian Territories for festivals and national holidays. Security will also likely be increased along the Green Line (the 1967 border with the West Bank). While exceptions may be made to allow passage for urgent medical cases or other humanitarian needs, freedom of movement to and from the Palestinian Territories may be extremely limited.

Context

Events on the holiday typically include several major rallies, marches, and other activities, particularly within the Old City. Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians often increase on Jerusalem Day, which marks the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967 amid the Six-Day War. The annual Jerusalem Day Flag March, a right-wing parade through the Old City's Muslim Quarter that ends at the Western Wall, has previously been blamed for increased tensions between the groups. Clashes between marchers and Palestinian residents of the city are possible. Israeli officials could also restrict access to the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem during the holiday period.

Advice

Allow extra time for travel throughout Israel, particularly Jerusalem, during the holiday period. 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.