A group of 35 Israelis, led by MK Michael Ben Ari of the HaIchud HaLeumi (National Union), were stopped by IDF border guards at the entrance to the ancient city of Jericho, possibly the oldest city in the world and a major city in Jewish history.
The marchers waited patiently for several hours for IDF permission to enter the city before forcibly passing the final check point and running into the city. They proceeded to an ancient synagogue, which had been razed and rebuilt by the Palestinian Authority.
After hanging an Israeli flag from the synagogue, the group was apprehended by IDF soldiers, who had urged PA forces to leave the situation to Israeli forces.
“The Oslo Accords are dead, and we will not allow an enemy state to be established here in Israel,” Ben Ari said of the march.
Meir Bertler, who took part in the march, told Ynet from within the synagogue, “At the top of the structure we hung an Israeli flag… We have announced the renewal of our Jewish presence here and our intention to stay.”
No one was seriously injured during the event.
The Israelis apparently planned to establish a Jewish presence in the city, but that seems like an unlikely wish. While their efforts appeared in vain, HaIchud HaLeumi did have one major success so far this week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to add Rachel’s Tomb and and the Cave of the Patriarchs to the list of national heritage preservation sites.
About the author
- More at
Comments on this entry are closed.