Jerusalem Day begins: high alert in the security system

Despite the threats from the terrorist organizations, the security establishment estimates that the probability of firing rockets from the Gaza Strip in response to the flag parade that will take place today (Thursday) in the capital on the occasion of Jerusalem Day is relatively low. However, this scenario is taken into account, to the extent that unusual events and conflicts develop between Jewish and Arab marchers or that there are many Palestinian casualties in clashes with the security forces.

"Incitement by terrorist elements": the police are responding to the storm on the networks ahead of the flag parade
Netanyahu clarified: "The parade of flags will take place in its order, according to its course and on its route"

In the meantime, the Minister of the Negev, the Galilee and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf went up to the Temple Mount this morning together with Rabbi Shimshon Elboim, head of the Temple Mount Administration, and said: "I missed you." Knesset members Dan Iloz, Ariel Kellner and Amit Halevi from the Likud and former Knesset member Shuli Moalem also came forward.

The IDF prepared for a wide deployment of Iron Dome systems in the southern arena, in case Palestinian terrorist organizations try to fire rockets as an identification from Lebanon as well. The security forces do not take risks and prepare to ensure the peace and safety of the participants tonight in the flag march and Jerusalem Day celebrations. This is in addition to 3,200 police officers and MGB soldiers, volunteers and special units that have been deployed throughout the city since yesterday.

As of last night, there are no intelligence indications that the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip are preparing to fire rockets at Israel today. However, as has been the case in the past, such a scenario could develop quickly depending on developments during today's parade.

The IDF believes that the end of the last operation in the Gaza Strip, Shield and Arrow, greatly reduces the possibility of further escalation in the south in the context of the parade of flags. Alongside this, the security forces will also be on high alert in Judea and Samaria today in view of the possibility of attempts to carry out terrorist attacks, with an emphasis on shooting attacks on traffic routes.

At the beginning of a special situation assessment in preparation for the events of Jerusalem Day and the flag dance yesterday, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gabir sent an implicit message to the commander of the Jerusalem District, Superintendent Doron Turgeman. First he praised him for the activities of the district so far and the handling of all events. However, at the same time, the minister emphasized that he hopes that the same activity and treatment will be a candle to his feet during the Jerusalem celebrations and the flag parade.

"The policy is very clear on this day," he added. "On a holiday, the policy is to allow complete freedom of movement for Jews throughout Jerusalem. All threats of terrorism, all threats of bullying, all threats of provocation of one kind or another, should end one hour before. Flag parade, holiday parade, Jewish ascension to the Temple Mount. That no one will think that it is possible to threaten them or hurt them and above all – this is a message to the whole world." Members of the Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionist factions intend to participate in the parade of flags today, as do some Likud members.

Minister of Finance and Chairman of Religious Zionism Bezalel Smotrich said yesterday ahead of today's events: "We are strengthening Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day. Lovers of Jerusalem from all over the country march through the streets of a city in honor of Jerusalem's holiday. There have always been threats to Jerusalem and the inhabitants of the land. We will not give in to the bullying of the terrorist organizations. Every day, and today in particular, we put Jerusalem at the top of our happiness."

On the other hand, the mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Leon said that "the traditional flag parade has been held for decades on the same route. I of course support the march on the current route. There is no reason why the parade should not march on its original route. At the same time, I ask the marchers to remember that the route also passes through residential neighborhoods and we must respect the residents the place".