Israel bans Palestinian flags

West Jerusalem’s new national security chief has ordered the removal of “terror flags” from public places

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly banned the flying of Palestinian flags, claiming that they ?encourage terrorism? and should no longer be allowed in public places.

?It is inconceivable that lawbreakers will wave terror flags, incite and encourage terrorism,? Ben-Gvir said on Sunday night in a statement cited by the Jerusalem Post. ?I have issued instructions for the removal of the flags, which support terrorism, from the public space and to stop incitement against the state of Israel.?

The nationalist security chief, who already stirred controversy shortly after taking office by visiting the Temple Mount compound last week, dismissed concern that his flag order will infringe on civil liberties, arguing that freedom of expression ?does not extend to identifying with a terrorist? and those who seek to harm Israeli soldiers.