From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 10, 2021
Security agencies said recommending change to Flag March route
Judah Ari Gross is The Times of Israel's religions and Diaspora affairs correspondent.
All of Israel’s security services recommend that police change the planned route of the so-called Flag March through the Old City of Jerusalem in order to limit the chances of direct confrontations between the participants and the Muslim residents of the city.
During a situational assessment by Israel’s political leadership, the Israel Defense Forces, Shin Bet security service and Israel’s military liaison to the Palestinians all say they believe that the current route, which would have thousands of Jewish Israelis pass through the flashpoint Damascus Gate and Muslim Quarter, would likely result in violence.
According to Channel 12, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has accepted this position and called for the police to alter the route.
The Flag March is planned for 4 p.m. and police will hold additional meetings on the matter before announcing how they plan to proceed.
