On Monday the Israel police announced that they had approved the route for the annual flag march to be held on Yom Yerushalayim, likely under pressure from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. The parade, which will take place on Wednesday, will include thousands of young Israelis marching through Sha’ar Shechem into the old city of Yerushalayim, ending at the Kosel. Some 3,000 police officers will provide security.
Yom Yerushalayim, which commemorates the city’s unification after the Six-Day War, will proceed amid the lingering effects of the October 7 events and ongoing conflict. Thousands are expected to march, and the police have said that they are fully prepared for the event, major roads will be closed for extended periods, and they urged the public to act responsibly and follow safety guidelines.
Historically, the Flag March has been faced some tension, especially when passing through Sha’ar Shechem. In 2021, the march coincided with Operation Guardian of the Walls when Hamas launched rockets toward Yerushalayim. In 2022, former U.S. Ambassador Tom Nides requested then-Minister of Public Security Omer Bar-Lev to change the route, but the route remained unchanged. Last year, the march again passed through the gate with only minor disturbances.
{Matzav.com}
