The annual Jerusalem Day flag march became an occasion for thousands of far-right Israelis to converge on East Jerusalem, attacking Palestinians and peace activists. This year’s event, held on Thursday, saw violence erupt even before the official parade began.
According to Standing Together, a group of Jewish and Palestinian peace activists, about 200 of their members wearing purple vests tried to stand between far-right demonstrators and Palestinians, but were frequently attacked. Uri Weltmann, the group’s national field director, said: “Things have become much more extreme since October 7,” referring to the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Far-right protesters chanted anti-Palestinian slogans such as ‘May your village burn’ and ‘Death to Arabs.’ They were also filmed spitting on and insulting Palestinians. Israeli police arrested 13 people, including both Jews and Palestinians.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led a large group of Israelis into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, where he raised the Israeli flag before the Dome of the Rock. Jordan condemned the move, calling it “a flagrant violation of international law and an unacceptable provocation.”
Analysts say violence during Jerusalem Day has escalated alongside the growth of the ultranationalist movement in Israel. The march is described as a state-sponsored invitation for extremist groups to enter the Muslim Quarter, vandalize shops and paste racist labels. Jewish-Arab relations researcher Eram Tzidkiyahu observed: “There is a deeply confrontational element to the march. Not just celebrating a victory, but celebrating in the living room of those who lost.”
Although Israeli police were present, they often did little to stop attacks on Palestinians. Hadash party lawmaker Ofer Cassif accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of encouraging violence, calling the police Ben-Gvir’s “private militia.” Meanwhile, the number of illegal settlements in the West Bank has surged under Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
