BICOM

Both Israeli and Palestinian Authority security forces are on high alert today and will deploy additional forces amid concerns that clashes could break out later today following the speeches by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the UN General Assembly. The Palestinian Authority is holding a series of parades and rallies designed to increase public enthusiasm for the statehood bid. While the rallies earlier this week were largely peaceful and on a relatively low scale, the speech by US President Obama at the UN earlier this week has led to disappointment and anger among some Palestinians. This, in turn, may lead to larger and more aggressive demonstrations today.

The Israeli authorities believe that two particular flashpoints may be the Kalandia checkpoint, between Jerusalem and Ramallah and the Temple Mount area following Friday prayers. As such, the authorities are restricting attendance at Friday prayers at the Temple Mount to men over the age of 50 with Israeli ID cards. No restrictions will be placed on women and minors.

Abbas’s speech is scheduled to take place at 4:30 pm, Netanyahu’s speech will follow shortly after at 5:30 pm (gmt).