Bennett orders police to show ‘zero tolerance’ for provocateurs at Jerusalem Day march

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Thousands wave Israeli flags as they celebrate Jerusalem Day at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 29, 2022. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)
Thousands wave Israeli flags as they celebrate Jerusalem Day at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 29, 2022. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has ordered law enforcement to “show zero tolerance for violence or provocations by extremists” at the Jerusalem Day Flag March, his office says.

Bennet singles out La Familia, an ultra-nationalist group of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer team’s fan club.

“The vast majority of participants came to celebrate, but, unfortunately, there is a minority who have come to ignite the area, take advantage of the government’s strong position against Hamas threats, and try to force a fire,” Bennett’s office says.

“Therefore, any case of violence will be dealt with in full severity, including prosecution,” the statement adds.

Some nationalists at the march have chanted “Death to Arabs,” and other racist slogans.

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