Rightist refuses to delay Silwan march
Police fear right-wing parade in east Jerusalem village during American envoy Mitchell's visit will prompt riots which will renew tensions with US
Senior Jerusalem Police officials on Friday asked right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir to postpone a march scheduled to take place in the east Jerusalem village of Silwan this Sunday, due to US special envoy George Mitchell's visit to Israel. The police fear that the parade would prompt riots which would renew the tensions with the Americans.
Ben-Gvir clarified that he had no plans to delay the rally, aimed at protesting illegal construction in the village.
"We don't have to capitulate to Mitchell," he said. "It is even more important to march due to his arrival in the region in order to show everyone that we are a democratic country. The march was approved and we will meet all the demands set by the police, but cancelling or even postponing it are not on the agenda."
The march has been postponed several times since being approved in principal last month, for fear that the riots in Jerusalem would repeat themselves. The police gave permission to 70 right-wing activists to march 700 meters (about half a mile) for an hour, from the Givati parking lot to the center of the village. They were asked not to march with weapons, including those carrying a license.
Silwan residents protested the decision to approve the march. "This is a cheap act of provocation aimed solely at provoking the Arab residents," said Attorney Ziad Kawar, who represents the al-Bustan neighborhood residents.
"What is the point of walking in Silwan? Creating a quarrel and a conflict. I hope it will end peacefully, but there are extremists on both sides and it's a shame that the police are helping these extremists."
The right wing Elad association joined those protesting the march. "Recently we have witnessed disturbing activities by extreme leftist organizations, and they are now being joined by right-wing activists for an unnecessary march, which will undoubtedly contribute to an atmosphere of radicalization," the association said in a statement.
