BICOM

Israeli security forces are on high alert, as marches and demonstrations are expected on Sunday by Palestinians and Arab Israelis commemorating the 1948 Arab defeat and the establishment of the State of Israel. These events are planned under the heading of ‘Nakba’ (Catastrophe) Day. Police have declared a high alert, and have increased forces in the Jerusalem area and in particular in the area of the Temple Mount, in anticipation of possible disturbances during Friday prayers. Despite the raised alert, however, Israeli analysts quoted in the media do not expect that major violence will occur.

While ‘Nakba Day’ events take place each year, there is particular tension this year because of the emergence of a number of grassroots initiatives, which have pledged to create large scale disturbances. The organisers of the ‘third intifada’ initiative in the West Bank and the ‘return procession’ due to take place in the Gaza Strip are not working under the auspices of either of the main Palestinian movements, Fatah and Hamas. Mainstream Palestinian politics is currently engaged in the formation of a Fatah-Hamas unity government, and has little interest in escalating tensions with Israel. According to Palestinian security sources quoted in Ynetnews, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has decided to allow the marches to take place, but will prevent protestors from reaching areas bordering Israel, or Jewish settlements.