Itamar Ben-Gvir

Israeli far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked international outrage by advocating in a podcast for killing 30 to 40 Palestinians nightly in Gaza, calling many "not even human" and "not worthy of life." He also called for reoccupying Gaza, establishing settlements, and mass expelling Palestinians—actions international lawyers say could constitute ethnic cleansing. The remarks, surfaced August 16, 2026, were condemned globally, including by Germany and Iran, and come amid a fragile ceasefire and upcoming Israeli elections.

10 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 20, 05:17 AM UTC

On July 23, 2026, Israeli far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led over 1,000 Jewish settlers onto the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to pray on Tisha B'Av, a Jewish fast day, in defiance of the long-standing status quo that restricts Jewish prayer at the site. The Temple Mount, home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is the third holiest site in Islam and the holiest in Judaism. The status quo, established after the 1967 Six-Day War, permits only Muslim worship there, while Jews may visit but not pray. Ben-Gvir, who has long advocated for Jewish prayer rights, declared the event a sign of 'enormous progress.' The action drew sharp condemnation from Jordan, which serves as custodian of the Muslim holy sites, and from the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, who called it a provocation and desecration. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that the status quo would not change, but critics warn the move risks escalating violence across the region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:09 PM UTC

On July 19, 2026, thousands of Israelis, including settlers and right-wing activists, marched to the Gaza border near Kibbutz Zikim, demanding the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory. The demonstration, joined by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was held under the slogan 'After 21 years, we're returning home,' referencing Israel's 2005 unilateral withdrawal of around 8,500 Jewish settlers. Participants waved Israeli flags and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government to authorize a return to Gaza. Israeli security forces deployed to prevent marchers from advancing into the restricted area. The march comes amid ongoing war that has rendered much of Gaza uninhabitable, with Israeli forces controlling over 60% of the strip despite a ceasefire with Hamas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:21 PM UTC

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has proposed deploying crocodiles around prisons holding Palestinian inmates to deter escapes, drawing inspiration from the now-closed 'Alligator Alcatraz' prison in Florida. Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman facilitated the plan by reclassifying Nile crocodiles as 'bred wild animals,' removing a legal barrier. The notorious Ketziot Prison is slated to test the project. Critics, including Physicians for Human Rights Israel, condemn the idea as discriminatory, appalling, and a form of torture, noting it targets only Palestinian security prisoners. Israeli Nature and Parks Authority officials argued crocodiles are protected animals, not guards. No prisoner escapes have been reported in the last five years. The plan still faces legal hurdles. Ben Gvir, a far-right figure, also faces controversy over his treatment of flotilla activists and plans to join a settler march advocating return to Gaza.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:32 PM UTC

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has advanced a controversial plan to use Nile crocodiles as guards around detention facilities holding Palestinian prisoners. Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman reclassified Nile crocodiles as 'managed wildlife,' allowing them to be kept outside educational or research settings. A pilot project is proposed at Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert, which holds Palestinian security prisoners and those arrested during the Gaza war. The plan faces strong opposition: legal advisors warn Silman exceeded her authority, and the Nature and Parks Authority argues crocodiles must be protected, not used as security tools, citing past escapes and dangers. The article notes that no such prison currently exists, and a similar US facility in Florida, nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz,' was closed after less than a year. Implementation remains uncertain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:24 PM UTC

The Israeli Knesset unanimously passed legislation establishing a special military tribunal in Jerusalem to prosecute Palestinians involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The law permits the death penalty, mandates public broadcasting of trials, and lowers evidentiary standards, drawing comparisons to the Eichmann trial. While proponents argue it ensures accountability for the massacre, human rights organizations and international critics condemn the measure as violating due process and creating politicized "show trials." The framework targets hundreds of detainees, excluding them from future prisoner exchanges, amidst ongoing conflict and significant global scrutiny regarding legal fairness and human rights obligations.

28 reports · 19 sources · Updated May 15, 05:44 PM UTC

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced government plans to establish settlements in Lebanon and encourage the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. Speaking at an event in Jerusalem marking the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir stated that authorities would not hesitate to eliminate those who oppose these measures. The announcement coincides with ongoing violations of a ceasefire in Gaza, effective since October 2025, which has resulted in at least 857 deaths and over 2,400 injuries. Additionally, Israel continues to breach a truce in Lebanon, causing nearly 3,000 deaths since March. Ben-Gvir also highlighted harsh new restrictions on Palestinian prisoners, including the removal of amenities and academic opportunities, following the Knesset's approval of legislation allowing the death penalty for Palestinian detainees accused of lethal attacks. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has urged Israel to repeal this law, citing concerns over human rights violations and the deteriorating conditions for over 9,600 Palestinian prisoners.

1 reports · 1 sources

On May 15, 2026, Jerusalem Day commemorations in East Jerusalem were marked by significant violence and tension as tens of thousands of national-religious Israelis marched through the Old City. The annual flag march, celebrating the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, saw participants engaging in provocative acts against Palestinian residents, including spitting, pushing, and chanting racist slogans such as 'Death to the Arabs.' Human rights activists from the group 'Standing Together' deployed a protective presence to shield vulnerable Palestinian communities from harassment. Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of Internal Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount, posing with an Israeli flag near the Dome of Rock, asserting Jewish control over the site. His colleague, Yitzhak Kroizer, prayed at the Al-Aqsa compound, violating historical status quo norms, and later called for the demolition of mosques to build the Third Temple. In response to the anticipated unrest, many Palestinian businesses in the Muslim Quarter closed early or remained shut entirely under police advisement. The events highlight escalating religious and political tensions in the holy city, with social media videos documenting hate speech and calls for further settlement expansion.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tens of thousands of Israeli ultranationalists and settlers participated in the annual Jerusalem Day march in occupied East Jerusalem, engaging in violent and racist behavior against Palestinian residents. Participants chanted slogans such as "Death to Arabs" and "May your villages burn" while rampaging through the Old City's narrow alleyways. Palestinian residents were forced to barricade themselves indoors and shutter businesses due to fear of attacks, with reports of mobs pounding on metal shutters and confronting locals. The march, which commemorates Israel's 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, is described by the source as a ritualized display of supremacy aimed at intimidating the Palestinian population. Incidents included settlers forcing entry into homes, smashing glass, and hurling objects at shopkeepers. The event occurred under the protection of heavily armed Israeli police. The article highlights the increasing violence and overt racism of the procession, linking it to the rise of the Israeli far-right and the empowerment of settler movements within the government. International law considers the annexation of East Jerusalem illegal, a stance maintained by the UN.

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Israeli military forces shot and killed 16-year-old Fahd Zidan Owais in the occupied West Bank south of Nablus, while preventing medical crews from accessing the scene. Authorities subsequently withheld the teenager's body, a practice criticized as collective punishment. Concurrently, ultra-nationalist Israeli settlers launched coordinated attacks across the region. In a village southeast of Ramallah, settlers set fire to a mosque and vehicles, leaving racist graffiti on homes. Near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, settlers assaulted residents and worshippers before Friday prayers, with Israeli police detaining nine Palestinians but reportedly standing by during settler violence. These events coincided with 'Flag Day' marches in Jerusalem, where nationalists chanted anti-Arab slogans and harassed locals. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir further escalated tensions by entering the Al-Aqsa compound with approximately 1,300 settlers, unfurling an Israeli flag while police barred Palestinian entry. The article highlights a surge in settler violence and military operations during this sensitive period marking the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir unveiled controversial plans during a public event in Jerusalem marking the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem. The proposals include expanding settlements in occupied territories, encouraging the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, and potentially establishing settlements in Lebanon. Ben-Gvir also highlighted strict measures against Palestinian detainees, including restrictions on food and communication, and referenced new legislation allowing the death penalty for certain prisoners. These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from international observers and human rights groups. Concurrently, the report notes severe volatility in Gaza and Lebanon, citing ongoing ceasefire violations since late 2025 and early 2025 respectively, which have resulted in thousands of casualties. Humanitarian concerns are intensifying as military operations continue. Additionally, over 9,600 Palestinian prisoners remain in detention, facing poor conditions and limited medical access, prompting calls for greater international accountability and legal review amidst escalating regional tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for raising an Israeli flag at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. The OIC, representing 57 member states, described the act as a deliberate provocation against Muslim sentiments worldwide. Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician, participated in a rally with settler groups on the Temple Mount, a site revered as the third holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina. He subsequently posted a photo on social media platform X, claiming that Jewish control over the site had been restored. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding sovereignty and access to the holy site, which is also home to the ancient Jewish Temple. Ben-Gvir has a history of visiting the area during sensitive periods, such as Jerusalem Day, to assert Israeli claims. The action has drawn immediate condemnation from Islamic nations, underscoring the fragile religious and political dynamics in the region. The event serves as a flashpoint in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns about potential escalation and further destabilization in East Jerusalem.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thousands of Israeli ultranationalists marched through occupied East Jerusalem during the annual Jerusalem Day celebrations, marking Israel's capture of the area in the 1967 Six-Day War. Participants chanted anti-Arab slogans such as "Death to Arabs" and "Gaza is a graveyard," while confronting Palestinian residents in the Old City. The event featured heavy police deployment as many Palestinians closed businesses and stayed indoors due to fears of violence. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attended, with Ben-Gvir visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a move considered provocative given the site's sensitive status. Conversely, peace activists from Jewish-Arab organizations like Standing Together formed volunteer groups to protect Palestinians and de-escalate tensions. The march highlights Jerusalem's role as a central flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel viewing the city as its undivided capital while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem for their future state. International community largely does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. The event has increasingly become a display of strength for Israel's religious nationalist movement, drawing supporters from across Israel and the West Bank.

1 reports · 1 sources

An opinion piece from The Jerusalem Post warns that Israel's approaching election campaign is poised to become exceptionally volatile and divisive. The author argues that political narratives are shifting rapidly, with parties like Likud reversing previous stances on issues such as the ultra-Orthodox draft law to manipulate public perception. This election is framed as an existential struggle for both sides: for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is a battle for personal survival against criminal charges, while the opposition views it as a critical opportunity to restore democratic integrity and national identity after years of polarization and the trauma of the October 7 attacks. The article highlights the erosion of political restraint, citing disturbing tactics like AI-generated disinformation videos. Although the author acknowledges the democratic necessity of holding elections after nearly three years of war and internal crisis, they predict that the high stakes will lead to an ugly campaign where genuine discourse is replaced by manipulation. Ultimately, the piece questions what kind of society will remain once the electoral process concludes, emphasizing the deep societal fractures that persist regardless of the outcome.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the full annexation of the West Bank during a Jerusalem Day address at the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva on May 14, 2026. Speaking to students and faculty, Smotrich urged the erasure of administrative divisions known as Areas A, B, and C, established under the Oslo Accords. He stated that he had submitted a detailed plan to the cabinet for Prime Minister approval, asserting that the entire Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Smotrich highlighted recent government achievements, including the approval of 60,000 housing units in Judea and Samaria over the past three years. He also reflected on the ongoing conflict, claiming significant military successes against Iranian, Hezbollah, and Hamas leaders since the October 7 attacks. Additionally, Smotrich praised new legislation regarding the death penalty for terrorists and touted Israel's economic resilience amidst regional warfare. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also attended, expressing intentions to expand settlements into Lebanon and across the region. The speech underscores the hardline stance of key coalition members regarding territorial expansion and security policies.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent poll published by Maariv reveals that 55% of Israelis prefer Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to retire from political life rather than run in the upcoming Knesset elections, while only 38% support his continued leadership of the Likud Party. The survey indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, with the current governing coalition dropping to 49 seats, falling short of a majority. Conversely, the opposition bloc, excluding Arab parties, has strengthened to hold 61 mandates. Within the coalition, both Likud and Otzma Yehudit lost one seat each, although the Shas Party gained one. In the opposition, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party increased its projection to 16 seats. The poll also explored alternative electoral alliances, suggesting that a joint list featuring former leaders like Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Eisenkot could secure 49 seats. Additionally, a potential partnership between Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper is projected to pass the electoral threshold with four seats. These findings highlight growing public desire for political change and the fragility of the current government's standing ahead of the next election cycle.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City on May 14, 2026, to celebrate Jerusalem Day, marking the anniversary of Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Under heavy security involving thousands of police officers, demonstrators chanted provocative slogans such as 'Death to Arabs,' while Palestinian residents largely barricaded themselves indoors or closed shops in protest. The parade, which began in West Jerusalem and ended at the Western Wall, heightened tensions in the sensitive area. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount compound, raising an Israeli flag and asserting Jewish claims to the site, challenging longstanding religious arrangements. Palestinians view the event as a provocation aimed at undermining their ties to East Jerusalem, which they seek as the capital of a future state. International bodies do not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. Police restricted access to the Old City, removing some activists and initially barring journalists, reflecting the volatile atmosphere surrounding the annual commemoration and its impact on Israeli-Palestinian relations in the holy city.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thousands of Israeli nationalists participated in the annual Jerusalem Day parade, marching through the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City to commemorate Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Under heavy security involving thousands of police officers, demonstrators chanted inflammatory slogans such as 'Death to Arabs' and 'May your villages burn.' Palestinian residents largely barricaded themselves indoors or closed shops, viewing the event as a provocation undermining their ties to the city. Police restricted access to the area, barring non-resident Palestinians and initially removing activists and media personnel. The tension was heightened by a visit from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Temple Mount compound, where he raised an Israeli flag, challenging longstanding religious arrangements. While Israeli participants expressed joy and religious devotion, Palestinians perceive the procession as part of a broader effort to strengthen Jewish control over East Jerusalem, which they seek as the capital of a future state. The United Nations and most countries do not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem.

1 reports · 1 sources

The full election season in Israel has commenced following the ultra-Orthodox party's withdrawal of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, effectively forcing the dissolution of the Knesset. The article analyzes Netanyahu’s strategic reliance on exacerbating Jewish-Arab tensions to secure right-wing victory, a tactic allegedly supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir through provocative policing. Concurrently, the piece addresses domestic controversies, including MK Hili Tropper’s rebuttal of conspiracy theories alleging that IDF units destroyed evidence from the October 7 attacks; Tropper asserts these units actually preserved crucial forensic data. Furthermore, the analysis critiques a New York Times opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof regarding alleged sexual violence by Israeli forces, dismissing it as lacking journalistic rigor and evidentiary support. The central political dynamic is defined by the fracture in the right-wing bloc over Haredi military conscription exemptions, with opposition parties aiming to capitalize on this rift while Netanyahu attempts to delegitimize Arab political participation to maintain power.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong statement condemning the Israeli government for pursuing a systematic policy aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in occupied East Jerusalem. This accusation follows a raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and approximately 620 other Israelis, who entered the site under police protection during 'Jerusalem Day' celebrations. The Palestinian statement describes these actions, including the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque compound, as provocative measures designed to impose a new de facto situation through force. Palestine asserts that these moves are part of a broader imperialist plan to Judaize Jerusalem and alter its demographic and cultural structure by dividing the holy site temporally and spatially. Reiterating that the entire Al-Aqsa area is an exclusive Muslim place of worship, Palestine declared that any unilateral attempts to violate this status quo hold no legal validity. Furthermore, the statement emphasized that the Palestinian state retains legal sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem, labeling Israel's actions as clear violations of international law.

1 reports · 1 sources

During the 2026 Jerusalem Day celebrations, Israeli extremists engaged in widespread vandalism and harassment in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. Participants in the 'flag march' chanted anti-Arab slogans, defaced property with noose stickers, and physically intimidated Palestinian residents and journalists. The report highlights the passive stance of Israeli security forces, noting that police officers watched the incidents without intervention while soldiers danced with celebrants. Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was present, reportedly smiling and waving at the crowd. Authorities ordered Palestinian businesses to close early for safety reasons, a measure shopkeepers described as disruptive yet necessary due to previous destruction. The event, commemorating Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, is viewed by Palestinians as a celebration of occupation. Witnesses, including local business owners, expressed distress over the annual violence and provocation, characterizing the behavior of the marchers as incompatible with the city's diverse nature. The article underscores the tension and lack of protection felt by the Palestinian community during this highly charged annual holiday.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is accelerating the passage of controversial legislation before a potential vote to dissolve the Knesset, which could move elections from late October to September. This legislative push follows intense tensions with ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) parties over military conscription laws. Reports indicate the government is also advancing a five-year financial plan for the Haredi community, including significant education budget allocations and funds for programs aimed at preventing IDF enlistment. Key bills being fast-tracked include reforms to split the attorney-general’s role and sweeping changes to the broadcasting sector. Political analysts note that while stopping legislation during election periods is customary, it is not legally binding, allowing the coalition to exploit this window. The timing of the dissolution bill, submitted by the coalition itself, grants Netanyahu greater control over the election date. Haredi parties reportedly favor an earlier September date to align with religious holidays and boost voter turnout, whereas Netanyahu prefers October to maximize legislative time. The Finance Ministry claimed unfamiliarity with the reported Haredi funding plan, while other ministries declined to comment.

1 reports · 1 sources

On May 14, 2026, thousands of Israeli nationalists participated in a state-sponsored march through Jerusalem’s Old City to mark the anniversary of Israel's capture and annexation of East Jerusalem. The event, funded by government ministries and the Jerusalem municipality, saw demonstrators chanting violent slogans such as "Death to Arabs" and "May your villages burn." The march culminated with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir unfurling an Israeli flag at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a highly sensitive Islamic holy site. Tensions escalated as radical Jewish groups scuffled with remaining Palestinian residents, prompting a heavy police presence. Most Palestinians had closed their shops and left the area beforehand. Counter-protesters from the group "Standing Together" deployed hundreds of volunteers to protect Palestinians from potential violence. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also attended the rally. The incident highlights growing extremism in annual assertions of Jewish control over East Jerusalem and the erosion of the long-standing status quo at religious sites, drawing criticism from both Palestinian communities and some religious Jews who viewed the behavior as a desecration of God's name.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tens of thousands of Israeli ultranationalists, primarily teenagers and young adults, participated in the annual Jerusalem Day march through Jerusalem's Old City on May 14, 2026. The event, which commemorates Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, was marked by heightened tensions and violence. Participants chanted racist slogans such as "Death to Arabs" and "May your villages burn," while intimidating Palestinian residents. Consequently, most Palestinian shopkeepers closed their businesses and stayed indoors to avoid harassment, although authorities sometimes order these closures. Activists from the grassroots movement Standing Together attempted to protect remaining open shops and de-escalate tensions, accusing police of failing to intervene adequately. Journalists covering the event also faced hostility, with some being shoved or blocked from filming. The march occurred against a backdrop of ongoing conflict, including Israel's war with Iran and frequent ceasefire violations in Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attended the march after visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The United Nations considers the annexation of East Jerusalem illegal under international law, highlighting the deep political and social divisions exacerbated by this annual parade.

1 reports · 1 sources

Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem under heavy military protection during the annual Jerusalem Day march. The event, held on May 14, 2026, commemorates Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, a move widely regarded as an illegal occupation under international law. Ben Gvir's provocative visit occurred amidst large-scale marches by Israeli nationalists through the holy city. The Al-Aqsa compound is Islam's third holiest site and a focal point of religious and political tension between Israelis and Palestinians. His presence, secured by significant security forces, underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the contentious nature of sovereignty claims over Jerusalem. The incident highlights ongoing friction regarding access to holy sites and the political symbolism associated with Jerusalem Day celebrations. This action by a high-ranking government official has drawn attention to the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly concerning the status of religious landmarks in East Jerusalem. The report emphasizes the militarized nature of the entry and the broader context of the occupation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israel celebrated its 59th Jerusalem Day on May 14, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. The holiday commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem following the 1967 Six-Day War. Tens of thousands of participants joined the annual flag march through the Old City, traversing the Muslim Quarter and concluding at the Western Wall. The event was marked by significant political rhetoric when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended the Temple Mount, declaring that sovereignty had been restored through determination and deterrence. Security forces remained on high alert, arresting a suspect allegedly planning a terror attack during the festivities. Additionally, clashes were reported between Israeli activists from opposing political spectra in the Old City prior to the main march. The celebrations underscored both national unity and ongoing tensions regarding sovereignty and security in the contested holy sites of Jerusalem.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tens of thousands of far-right Israelis participated in the annual Flag March through occupied East Jerusalem on May 14, 2026, marking Jerusalem Day. The event was characterized by intensified violence and racist rhetoric against Palestinians, with marchers chanting slogans such as 'Death to Arabs' and 'May your village burn.' Clashes erupted before the official start, as ultranationalists attacked Palestinians in the Christian Quarter, vandalized property, and forced shop closures. Peace activists from the organization Standing Together attempted to intervene but faced attacks themselves. Israeli police arrested 13 individuals amid the unrest. The march received explicit support from the Israeli government, notably National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who led a provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, drawing strong condemnation from Jordan for violating international law and the status quo. Observers note that anti-Palestinian aggression has escalated significantly since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent war on Gaza. The incident underscores growing tensions in the Old City, where Palestinian residents face increasing harassment and exclusion during state-sanctioned nationalist celebrations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tens of thousands of Israeli nationalists, primarily teenagers and young adults, marched through Jerusalem's Old City on Thursday to celebrate the anniversary of Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967. The event was marked by intense hostility, with participants chanting racist slogans such as "Death to Arabs" and "May your villages burn." Many Palestinian residents barricaded themselves indoors or closed their shops to avoid harassment and violence. Reports indicated that ultranationalist groups broke into private courtyards, damaged property, and assaulted Palestinians, while Israeli police monitored the situation. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, asserting Israeli sovereignty over the site. In contrast, activists from the grassroots movement Standing Together attempted to shield Palestinian businesses and show solidarity, though they faced aggression from marchers. The incident occurred against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, including a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinian residents described the atmosphere as increasingly violent and intimidating, highlighting the deep ethnic and political divisions within the city during this annual commemoration.

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Tens of thousands of nationalist Israelis participated in the annual Flag March through Jerusalem's Old City, including Muslim neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, under heavy police protection. The event, held on Jerusalem Day to commemorate the 1967 conquest of East Jerusalem, was marked by significant tension and violence. Local media reported that participants shouted anti-Arab slogans, assaulted Palestinian residents, and damaged property, leading to clashes with locals and activists. Israeli journalists were also reportedly attacked. Police arrested several individuals for violent acts. Concurrently, Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir provoked further controversy by waving an Israeli flag on the Temple Mount, a site holy to both Jews and Muslims where Jewish prayer is currently prohibited under existing agreements. The march highlights ongoing friction over sovereignty in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as the capital of their future state. Thousands of security forces were deployed to manage the situation, reflecting the high potential for unrest during this annual commemoration.

1 reports · 1 sources

Hundreds of Israeli settlers, led by Likud Knesset Member Ariel Kellner and protected by heavy police presence, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. The intrusion coincided with Israel's annual Flag Day, commemorating the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem. Settlers performed Talmudic rituals, including full-body prostrations, while Israeli police restricted access for Palestinian worshippers, barring men under 60 and women under 50 from entering the mosque since dawn. Reports indicate that security forces used force against individuals at the gates and confined Waqf staff and students inside the mosque to clear the courtyard. Concurrently, violence escalated in the occupied West Bank, where settlers engaged in arson, forced evacuations, and stone-throwing attacks. Incidents included the burning of farmland in al-Mughayyir and the displacement of a Bedouin family in the Jordan Valley. These events occur against a backdrop of increased settler violence since the onset of the war in Gaza, prompting recent European Union sanctions against violent settlers and organizations. The article highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the status quo at holy sites and the illegal expansion of settlements under international law.

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