Jerusalem: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian foreign activists planned to fly into Tel Aviv this week, prompting Israeli warnings on Wedensday that security would be beefed up at the country's already heavily fortified international airport.
The campaign coincides with a separate attempt to break Israel's sea blockade of the Gaza Strip with an international flotilla.
Those set to arrive at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Friday said they plan to tour the West Bank in solidarity with the Palestinians and don't intend to stir up trouble. But the prospect of an influx of pro-Palestinian sympathisers sparked agitation in Israel.
The Israeli public security minister claimed some of the potential arrivals were "hooligans," and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a show of reviewing security agencies' plans at the airport before flying to Romania on Wednesday.
"Every country has a right to block the entry of provocateurs," Netanyahu declared. At the same time, he said, officers were instructed to avoid "unnecessary confrontations."
The protesters accused Israel of distorting their message, insisting their activities would be peaceful. They said their only protest at the airport would be to declare they had come to "visit Palestine," and that they hoped to draw attention to Israeli policies that often bar foreigners with Palestinian ties.
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