UK moves to arrest protesters using “globalize the intifada” chant

• Police say the slogan could lead to arrests at future protests.
• Security is increased around synagogues and Jewish sites.

British police have announced a tougher stance on protesters displaying placards or chanting the phrase “globalize the intifada,” warning that arrests will follow if the slogan is used at demonstrations.

The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police said the decision comes after recent violent attacks and heightened concern within Jewish communities. In a joint statement issued after Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, officers said, "Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed, words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests".

- Police cite recent attacks -

The forces pointed to two incidents cited as shaping the new approach. One was the Bondi attack in Sydney, where 16 people were killed and dozens injured during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah. The other was a knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in October, which left two people dead.

Police said communities had raised concerns about the slogan being used at protests or directed at specific locations. "We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as 'globalize the intifada' and those using it at future protests or in a targeted way should expect" the two forces "to take action".

- Expanded powers and security measures -

According to the statement, frontline officers will receive updated briefings on enforcement. Police confirmed they will rely on Public Order Act powers, including placing conditions around London synagogues during religious services.

Visible patrols and protective security have also been increased around synagogues, schools, and community venues in London and Greater Manchester.

- Political and community response -

The UK’s chief rabbi told the BBC this week that chants of “globalize the intifada” had helped lead to the two attacks. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the police announcement, saying, "We strongly welcome this necessary intervention."

The board added, "We have long warned that people chanting slogans like 'globalize the intifada' are inciting violence, and we have been making the case for robust enforcement in relation to this slogan with government at all levels for some time."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament that funding for Jewish security has been raised to 28 million pounds (USD 37 million).

"I'm pleased to do that, but I'm sad to do that," he said, confirming he had ordered a review of protest and hate crime laws. His comments came after Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described antisemitism as real and "poisonous," urging unified action to confront it.

- Background on the term -

The word intifada entered common use during the Palestinian uprising against 'Israeli' occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1987. That uprising was largely popular and mostly unarmed, lasting into the early 1990s, while also seeing the emergence of groups operating outside the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).

A second intifada began in September 2000 following a controversial visit by Ariel Sharon to a holy site in Jerusalem. It is often referred to as the Al-Aqsa intifada, named after the Al-Aqsa Mosque within the Haram al-Sharif compound.