High tensions in Hebron ahead of Herzog Hanukkah visit to shrine

Tensions are high in the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron ahead of a planned visit by President Isaac Herzog to light a Hanukkah candle at the Tomb of the Patriarch’s shrine in the divided city.

Security forces are being heavily deployed in the city, and roads are being closed near the shrine, which is holy to Jews and Muslims alike, according to local Palestinian accounts.

https://twitter.com/GazaNownews/status/1464963926102265861

One video shared on social media shows Border Police officers scuffling with a number of men linking arms and chanting against the visit outside the shrine compound. In the video, police approach the men and tug away a Palestinian flag they are holding.

قوات الاحتلال تعتدي على محتجين تجمعوا قرب المسجد الإبراهيمي في الخليل رفضًا للاقتحام الذي سيتم مساء اليوم بقيادة رئيس الكيان الإسرائيلي يتسحاق هرتسوغ. pic.twitter.com/V9REKvtZAC

— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) November 28, 2021