Israel Police and ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) will be conferring on Sunday regarding Monday’s planned Israel flag parade in Um el-Fahm. The march is the result of a petition to the High Court of Justice by Baruch Marzel of the Chazit Yehudit Party.

The court ruled the march may take place, against the recommendations of police. Marzel and his supporters explain that Um el-Fahm is a part of the State of Israel, its citizens are Israeli and as such, there is no reason they should not be permitted to march in the area with the national flag.

Commenting on the planned march was Alik Ron, who was the northern Israel Police commander during the October riots that led to the deaths of 13 Israeli Arabs. Ron, who today is retired from Israel Police, stated he opposes the move, which he added is just intended as a provocation.

He explained the court permits the march but ultimately, police have the right to postpone the march, not cancel it, due to a number of considerations. He feels that following the recent expulsion of Jews from Bet HaShalom in Chevron, the timing is such that a march of 100 people with flags and signs will undoubtedly result in violence.

He used his actions in 1999 to prove the point, when the High Court ordered him to destroy an illegal porch in Um el-Fahm. Ron acted in contempt and did not carry out the demolition, prompting the minister of public security and then Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein to call him in to explain his decision. He stated that until the feels the government truly understands the ramifications of carrying out the decision, he cannot move ahead. Ron concluded by stating that until today, the porch has not been dismantled since the move would result in widespread violence.

The flag parade he feels is also a matter of endangering the public safety and therefore stated Ron, the march must be postponed.

When asked to comment on contentions by Marzel and other members of the political right that Israel has already lost the Negev and continued inaction will result in the same situation in The Triangle area in the north, he agreed. He criticized MK (Meretz) Zahava Gal-On and the Israeli left for its inaction on such issues. He cited the incitement by Israel Islamic Association leader Sheikh Raid Salah, a former Um el-Fahm mayor, and questions why the Israeli left remains speechless in the face of his ongoing pro-terror statements and why the left opts not to act against is statements.

Ron stated that thousands of police are needed to maintain order for such an event but police for the time being have allocated 800 troops. In Um el-Fahm, they have stated “We will not permit the Zionists to enter Um el-Fahm”.

At the end, Marzel remains determined to carryout the march but police will have the last word and by most accounts, the planned march will be postponed.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)