Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday (April 20) ordered police to ban a controversial far-right lawmaker from approaching a Muslim area of Jerusalem’s Old City to prevent further violence.
Read alsoIsrael: In the face of the attacks, Bennett promises “total” war
ALSO SEE Israel attacks Gaza Strip in retaliation for rocket attack
Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police on Friday and Sunday left more than 170 injured on the esplanade of the mosques, the third holiest site in Islam and the holiest site in Judaism, as the celebrations of the Muslim month of Ramadan coincide. , the Jewish Passover.
“Based on the recommendations of the Homeland Security Secretary and security officials, the Prime Minister has decided to prevent the arrival of MP Itamar Ben Gvir at Damascus Gate”
State press release.
Israeli ultra-nationalist organizations planned a march on Wednesday in Jerusalem’s Old City, where the esplanade is located, despite a police ban. Far-right MP Itamar Ben Gvir, a member of the opposition and known for his incendiary statements against the Palestinians, announced his intention to take part in this march to pass through Damascus Gate, the main entrance to the Muslim quarter of the old city. †
Protection of “human lives” in “danger”
†Based on the recommendations of the Minister of Homeland Security and security officials, the Prime Minister decided to prevent the arrival of MP Itamar Ben Gvir at Damascus GateNaftali Bennett’s services said in a press release.I do not intend to allow petty politics to endanger human lives.said the Prime Minister. †I will not allow Ben Gvir’s political provocation to endanger Israeli soldiers and police and further burden their mission.†
Right calls for compromise
Naftali Bennett’s coalition government has been weakened by recent violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the mosque esplanade, and attacks in Israel. The Arab Ram party, the first in history to support an Israeli government, suspended its support for the coalition on Sunday amid the violence.
In turn, right-wing MPs within the coalition are under pressure to let go of a government that some of the opposition believe is too favorable to the Arab minority. †Bennett, coalition security is not state securityItamar Ben Gvir reacted on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, threatening to go to Damascus Gate if the police are “allowed no compromiseon the route of the controversial march.
Read alsoIsrael sinks back into political crisis
Last year, the Islamist movement Hamas launched volleys of rockets into Israeli territory as a march bringing together ultra-nationalist organizations was set to begin in Jerusalem’s Old City.
PODCAST – In politics, as in life, saying is doing? The Philo moment, by Aziliz Le Corre
Listen and subscribe to you favorite audio platform
