Thousands of police on streets as Jerusalem braces for far-right Flag March

The procession, which passes Al Aqsa Mosque, has typically been accompanied by street violence and provoked conflict in Gaza in 2021

Jerusalem is bracing for a controversial parade by the Israeli far right when tens of thousands of ultranationalists are expected to march through the city’s most sensitive area.

This year’s Flag March is expected to begin in the afternoon and will follow a route through Damascus Gate, the main entrance to the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, and past Al Aqsa Mosque towards the Western Wall.

The march – part of Jerusalem Day celebrations, an Israeli public holiday to mark the moment Israel gained full control of Jerusalem in 1967 – led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas in 2021.

Over the years, the event has gained notoriety for sparking unrest between Israeli marchers and Palestinian residents.

Despite fears that tension over the Gaza war could make the day more volatile, Israeli authorities said on Tuesday that the march would proceed.

Police say more than 3,000 personnel will be in the city on Wednesday.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir promised to join the march and that “Jews will go up to [Al Aqsa Mosque]”.

“We need to hit them where it’s most important to them,” he said.

An incursion on the site, the third holiest in Islam, is considered a provocation by Palestinians, more so if it involves a government minister.

Many of Wednesday’s marchers will belong to movements calling for the area, which was the site of the first two Jewish temples, to be turned into a third.

Despite fears of violence in the aftermath of October 7, Jerusalem has remained relatively quiet throughout the Gaza War.

The city is suffering from the effects of the conflict, particularly the Old City which is home to many Palestinians and Palestinian businesses that have been hit hard by a lack of visitors.

Analysts told media on Tuesday that a flash point on Wednesday could lead to uncontrolled escalations, with one speaking of the potential for “regional war”.

Last year’s Flag March took place with relatively few clashes, after many Palestinians chose to avoid going out in public amid fears of violence and a heavy Israeli police presence.

Marchers attacked journalists, throwing sticks and glass bottles, and chanted extremist slogans.

Sami Abu Shehadeh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and chairman of the opposition party Balad, said Jerusalem Day is “the most racist day on the Israeli calendar, because it touches the most sacred and sensitive issue for Palestinians: Al Aqsa Mosque”.

He believes far-right politicians in the current government, particularly Mr Ben Gvir, want the day to lead to regional war.

“Ben Gvir is a pyromaniac and a very dangerous man for Israelis, Palestinians and the Middle East,” Mr Abu Shehadeh said.