Flag march in Jerusalem ends in clashes
Jerusalem hosted its traditional Flag March, which drew thousands of participants. The procession made its way toward the Old City and the Western Wall, but parts of the event were once again marred by tension and clashes. Police reported the arrest of at least 13 people, according to media reports.
Jerusalem hosted the annual Flag March—a mass procession that traditionally takes place on Jerusalem Day and draws thousands of participants. People set off from the city center and headed toward the Old City, where the main ceremony was to take place near the Western Wall.
Jerusalem Day celebrations. pic.twitter.com/m2XOjPXmfc
— Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) May 14, 2026
As the procession moved through the city, clashes and conflicts broke out in certain areas between different groups of participants and local residents. According to police, at least 13 people were detained for disturbing the peace.
This is why we must be in Jerusalem today, why we must do the work that, in a proper country, the police would be doing. Our activists stood again and again today between Palestinian families and businesses, and violent settlers who came from outside Jerusalem to harm Jerusalemites, simply because they are Palestinian. pic.twitter.com/tuz1uV7ZeL
— Alon-Lee Green - ألون-لي جرين - אלון-לי גרין (@AlonLeeGreen) May 14, 2026
The organizers position this event as part of the celebrations related to the events of 1967 and the status of Jerusalem. At the same time, every year it is accompanied by controversy and criticism due to tensions in certain areas of the Old City, where various religious and ethnic communities reside.
Violence in Jerusalem’s Old City ahead of the Flag March. Credit: Standing Together pic.twitter.com/cURSgjGzF9
— Haaretz News (@haaretznewsvid) May 14, 2026
During this year’s march, comments and assessments also circulated in the media describing the event as one marked by high levels of emotional tension and security risks. Some eyewitnesses and public commentators reported aggressive behavior by certain participants, though the police officially urged against generalizations and stated that the situation was under control.
The youth of our nation, dancing and singing praises to the Lord.
In advance of Jerusalem Day this evening.
Machane Yehudah, Jerusalem, Israel pic.twitter.com/PEafvHS9JJ— Adam Kenigsberg (@breslovchosid) May 14, 2026
The march concluded in the Old City area, where heightened security measures remained in place until the main events concluded.
In Jerusalem, the Holy Fire descended at the Churchof the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday. The ceremony traditionally takes place at the site where, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was buried.
