Israeli Nationalists Celebrate Jerusalem Day Amid Tensions in Old City
Israelis mark capture of East Jerusalem with Old City parade, provocative chants
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
On May 14, 2026, thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, marking the anniversary of Israel's capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 war. The event, viewed as provocative by Palestinian residents, featured chants against Arabs and heavy police presence, highlighting ongoing tensions over the city's status.
- 01The Jerusalem Day parade is an annual event commemorating Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war.
- 02Palestinian residents expressed fear and anger, barricading themselves in their homes during the parade.
- 03Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir raised an Israeli flag at the Temple Mount, a site of religious significance for both Jews and Muslims.
- 04The police restricted access to the Old City, preventing non-resident Palestinians from entering during the parade.
- 05Palestinians view the parade as part of a broader effort to increase Jewish presence in East Jerusalem, which they claim as the future capital of a Palestinian state.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 14, 2026, thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City to commemorate Jerusalem Day, marking the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem. The event was heavily policed, with thousands of officers deployed to maintain order. Many Palestinian residents, perceiving the parade as a provocation, barricaded themselves in their homes. Demonstrators chanted inflammatory slogans such as “May your villages burn” and “Death to Arabs,” while waving Israeli flags. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount, raising an Israeli flag, which further escalated tensions. The Temple Mount, significant to both Jews and Muslims, is administered under a delicate arrangement with Muslim authorities, allowing Jewish visits but prohibiting prayer. Palestinian shopkeepers were forced to close their businesses in anticipation of the parade. The procession's route from West Jerusalem to the Western Wall underscores the ongoing conflict over the city's future, as Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a potential Palestinian state.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Jerusalem Day parade exacerbates tensions between Israeli nationalists and Palestinian residents, affecting daily life and security in the Old City.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How should the Israeli government handle national celebrations in contested areas?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.