The far-right rally in Jerusalem took a violent turn on Monday during an annual commemoration of the capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
Crowds of far-right Israelis confronted Palestinians, chanting insults and displaying banners with provocative messages. The demonstration, designated “Jerusalem Day,” was marked by radical slogans such as "death to Arabs" and aggressive confrontations against Palestinians in the Old City's Muslim Quarter. Israeli police promptly intervened, detaining several aggressive participants amidst the chaos.
Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, condemned the event, labeling it a "festival of hatred and racism," while stressing that such behaviors stand in stark contrast to Jewish values. As right-wing activists called for harsher measures against perceived "terrorists," tensions only intensified.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his hardline stances, faced backlash for his participation and statements that reportedly incited hostility, particularly following his visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a flashpoint of religious significance.
Palestinian leadership issued statements condemning the violence and Ben Gvir’s actions, emphasizing the detrimental effect such events could have on regional stability. Tensions in the region remain heightened, especially considering the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians.
Every year, the Jerusalem Day celebrations attract thousands of participants who parade through significant historic sites, culminating in gatherings at the Western Wall, which the Israeli government identifies as a focal point of their claimed sovereignty over the city. The dual aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for sovereignty over Jerusalem continue to fuel the conflict, drawing international scrutiny and condemnation.
Crowds of far-right Israelis confronted Palestinians, chanting insults and displaying banners with provocative messages. The demonstration, designated “Jerusalem Day,” was marked by radical slogans such as "death to Arabs" and aggressive confrontations against Palestinians in the Old City's Muslim Quarter. Israeli police promptly intervened, detaining several aggressive participants amidst the chaos.
Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, condemned the event, labeling it a "festival of hatred and racism," while stressing that such behaviors stand in stark contrast to Jewish values. As right-wing activists called for harsher measures against perceived "terrorists," tensions only intensified.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his hardline stances, faced backlash for his participation and statements that reportedly incited hostility, particularly following his visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a flashpoint of religious significance.
Palestinian leadership issued statements condemning the violence and Ben Gvir’s actions, emphasizing the detrimental effect such events could have on regional stability. Tensions in the region remain heightened, especially considering the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians.
Every year, the Jerusalem Day celebrations attract thousands of participants who parade through significant historic sites, culminating in gatherings at the Western Wall, which the Israeli government identifies as a focal point of their claimed sovereignty over the city. The dual aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for sovereignty over Jerusalem continue to fuel the conflict, drawing international scrutiny and condemnation.
