India Tactical: Protest against Israeli Prime Minister’s visit to be held outside Israeli Embassy in central Delhi at 14:30 (local time) on January 15; allot for disruptions to travel

• On January 15, a protest against the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly take place outside the Israeli Embassy on APJ Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi, beginning at 14:30 (local time). The demonstration, organized by the activist group “Unite Against Hate”, is reportedly an attempt to “show solidarity” with Palestinians. The Israeli Prime Minister arrived on January 14 and will be in India until January 19.

• PM Netanyahu’s visit to India follows a spate of nationwide protests in response to US President Donald Trump’s December 6 decision to announce Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

1. While protests were held in India in opposition to President Trump’s controversial Jerusalem designation, they were significantly more muted than in other countries with large Muslim populations. As unrest over this issue has largely dissipated internationally, the January 15 demonstration is not anticipated to attract a high turnout, and will likely be dominated by left-wing and student activists.
2. As the organization has an anti-violence stance, scuffles are unlikely to occur. However, due to the sensitivity of the installation and the recent uptick in anti-Israel sentiment, security measures are liable to be bolstered in the immediate vicinity of the Israeli Embassy, potentially resulting in localized disruptions to travel in this area.

Those operating or residing in Delhi during the afternoon hours of January 15 are advised to allot for disruptions to travel in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy due to the slated protest and anticipated increased security presence.