Photo by
Kobi Richter/TPS on 29 March, 2018
Israel Braces for Potentially Explosive Week Amid US Embassy Move, Nakba Day
By
Yona Schnitzer/TPS
• 13 May, 2018
Jerusalem, 13 May, 2018 (TPS) -- Israel’s security apparatus is bracing for a potentially explosive week as the country marks Jerusalem Day on Sunday, the U.S Embassy move to Jerusalem on Monday, Nakba Day on Tuesday, and the commencement of Ramadan on Wednesday.
On Sunday, thousands of Israelis are expected to pour into Jerusalem to celebrate the 51st anniversary of Israel’s victory in the Six Day War. Aside from the usual challenges security forces will face on the holiday, this year’s celebrations will lead into the celebrations surrounding the transfer of the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, which will see a torrent of VIPs and diplomats arriving at the capital to take part in the ceremonies.
On Tuesday, the March of Return demonstrations are set to meet an expected boiling point, with the planned culmination of protests that been taking place weekly on the Gaza border for the past six weeks. So far, at least 45 people have been killed in the violent demonstrations in which Palestinians placed explosive devices along the border, attempted to cross the security fence, damaged infrastructure and sent burning kits into fields in Israel causing extensive damage to crops.
IDF forces positioned on the border have been briefed about the possible threats Tuesday might bring, which mainly include violent terrorist acts being carried out under the guise of the protests. On Sunday, the IDF Spokesperson released videos of Hamas operatives dismantling observation towers generally used by Hamas protest leaders to calm and contain the demonstrations, with the assumption being that Hamas wishes that this weeks protest run out of control. Aside from the possibility of an attack against IDF forces on the border, or a mass crossing of the border by thousands of Palestinians, the IDF’s central challenge on Tuesday will be to contain the demonstrations with a minimal amount of Palestinian casualties.
While the March of Return demonstrations have generally been contained to the Gaza border, security officials are not taking risks and are preparing IDF forces for the event that the protests spill over to Judea and Samaria as well as east Jerusalem.
Wednesday is the first day of Ramadan, the most important month in the Muslim calendar. While the holiday generally has security forces on high alert, this year’s, and more specifically, this week’s events will determine whether Israel faces a slight challenge, or a massive escalation.
Along with the tense situation on Israel’s northern border,Israel’s security forces are working around the clock at full alert.
