Security officials warn right-wing parade in Jerusalem could ‘set alight the area’

Former security officials are warning against allowing a planned right-wing nationalist march to be held in Jerusalem later this week, warning it could fuel a broader Israeli-Palestinian conflagration over the city.

Organizers of the Flag March rescheduled the controversial annual parade for Thursday after this year’s event for Jerusalem Day was canceled mid-event after Hamas fired rockets toward the city on May 10, setting off 11 days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Israelis wave national flags during a Jerusalem Day march, in Jerusalem, May 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

“Especially with Jerusalem, any unusual incident can set alight the area and lead to a escalation in both [the West Bank] and the Strip and therefore responsibility, sensitivity and common sense are needed to make decisions without political interference,” an unnamed security source told the Kan public broadcaster.

The broadcaster also quoted a military source saying the Israel Defense Forces remained on high alert in the West Bank and Gaza-border area, saying those areas had “still not calmed down or fully stabilized.”