The IDF will be prepared for “any scenario” on Nakba Day, set for May 15, according to Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.
The anti-Israel event marks what Arabs in the Jewish State refer to as the “tragedy” or “catastrophe” – nakba in Arabic – of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It is the Gregorian (solar calendar) date of the establishment of the state. Israel marks the Hebrew (lunar calendar) date, the fifth of Iyar, and the two coincide ony once every 19 years.
Gantz said Wednesday during a visit to Central Command that he hopes the events scheduled for the upcoming “Nakba Day” will be peaceful.
Nevertheless, IDF Commander Avi Mizrahi reported to his superior that preparations are being made to deal with riots should they occur.
There have been a number of calls from officials in the Palestinian Authority for “resistance” in the form of civil disobedience, Some have called for similar action in Arab countries bordering Israel as well.
In addition, an Internet campaign on Facebook has called for the launch of a third intifada on May 15.
Organizers are urging Arabs from neighboring countries as well as from Palestinian Authority-controlled territories to converge on Israel's borders on that day, albeit “peacefully.”
Some of those who have posted their intention to participate have expressed their willingness and enthusiasm for violence against Israelis as part of the event.
