Police forces in London and Greater Manchester say they will make arrests for chanting or displaying the phrase “globalise the intifada”, following the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration.
In a joint statement, the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police said the “context has changed” after violent attacks targeting Jewish communities. Both forces said the phrase will now be treated as having potential threatening intent depending on how it is used.
“Words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests,” the statement said, referencing both the Bondi attack and the killing of two people at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in October.
Police said those who use the phrase in a targeted manner during protests “should expect” officers to intervene. Frontline officers will receive updated briefings, and Public Order Act powers will be used to impose conditions, including around synagogues during services.
Patrols and protective security have been increased around synagogues, schools and community venues.
The term “intifada” refers to the 1987 Palestinian unarmed uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza.