IDF chief warns of violence on 'Nakba Day'

Benny Gantz visits IDF Central Command to be briefed on preparations being made ahead of Palestinian day of mourning over Israel's inception. Brigades being trained to deal with clashes that may occur between protesters, settlers

Hanan Greenberg|Published: 05.11.11 , 13:26

The security establishment continued on Wednesday to prepare for the Palestinian "Nakba Day", which will be marked on May 15.

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Israel braces for 'Nakba Day'

Ynet reports

IDF boosts West Bank deployment as Palestinians prepare to mark 'disaster' of Jewish State's establishment; police bracing for possible violence within Green Line, Arab-Israelis hold major rally Tuesday

Israel braces for 'Nakba Day'

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz visited Central Command and heard from Commander Avi Mizrahi the preparations being made for possible riots.

The IDF fears clashes between Palestinians and settlers may occur at marches and protests – some of which will begin this Friday – held in honor of the Palestinian day of mourning over State of Israel's inception.

A number of brigades not usually deployed in the West Bank are currently undergoing training to deal with the various scenarios envisioned by commanders. If the events pass peacefully, they are to return to normal service next week.

Gantz said he hopes the Nakba Day events will be held non-violently, but said the army must prepare for any scenario.

The IDF assumes the Palestinians in the West Bank have an interest in keeping the rallies peaceful, but fears a recent reconciliation deal signed between Hamas and Fatah could spark a violent response among protesters.

As opposed to previous years, the Palestinians have been calling for civil disobedience both in the West Bank and outside Israel, in states sharing a border with the Jewish state. The trend got underway with the launch of a Facebook page urging the Palestinians to embark on a third Intifada on May 15.

Elsewhere online, several groups are organizing with the aims of reaching Israel's borders. One such initiative is being organized by the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt, with university students expected to depart from Cairo Friday en route to the Gaza Strip border.