Heavily Policed Jerusalem Braces for Tense Flag Day March

Thousands of Israeli police deployed in the streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday ahead of the annual Flag Day procession that marks Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 and has in the past led to clashes between marchers and Palestinians.
The march this year takes place as the war in Gaza approaches the start of its ninth month, adding to concerns of wider violence.
Tens of thousands of marchers carrying blue and white Israeli flags are expected to parade through the narrow streets of the Old City, where many Palestinian shopkeepers shutter their businesses for fear of racist violence.
A police spokesperson said more than 3,000 police would be on duty to “maintain the routine of life as much as possible”.