Explainer: What is behind Israel’s Ben-Gvir's ban on Palestinian flags in public spaces?
Considering the Palestinian flag as incitement to terror, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir seeks to prevent its waving wherever he can.
Newly appointed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed police on Sunday to remove Palestinian flags from public places, wherever such acts could be considered incitement to terror.
"Today I directed the Israeli police to enforce the prohibition of flying in public spaces any PLO flag that shows identification with a terrorist organization, and to stop any incitement against the State of Israel. We will fight terrorism and the encouragement of terrorism with all our might! " tweeted Ben-Gvir.
According to Ben-Gvir’s order, any police officer, at whatever rank, would be authorized to remove Palestinian flags from public places. Police officers would not need to wait for approval from senior commanders to do so. Their own interpretation of whether a flag disturbs public order or supports terrorism would suffice.
Why now?
