Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reignited a row over a controversial right-wing march through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, which was canceled Monday after the organizers rejected a new route suggested by police.
In late-night consultations Monday, Netanyahu tasked Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai with providing alternative routes so that the march could go ahead.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, however, insisted the matter must be decided by the security cabinet, which was due to meet Tuesday afternoon.
The so-called "Flag Parade" normally takes place on Jerusalem Day that falls in May, but was this year interrupted when Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at the capital from Gaza, marking the start of an 11-day conflict.
It was also canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Israelis run for cover as Hamas fires a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem, May 10, 2021
(Photo: AP)
The parade traditionally passes through the Damascus Gate entrance to the Old City and proceeds through the Muslim Quarter, ending at the Western Wall plaza.
"We regret the decision by the police not to allow the march by Jews carrying Israeli flags in our nation's capital," the organizers of the march said Monday.
"The brave spirit of our people and our unity will continue to guide us until we are able to safely march in the streets of Jerusalem. We hope the Israel Police and other officials will reconsider their decision and permit us to hold the event as planned on Thursday."
Gantz previously warned that the rescheduled parade could be seen as an act of provocation that could potentially incite more violence.
Far-right politicians slammed the decision to cancel the parade, calling it capitulation.