Israel nabs fly-in activists at airport

Israel is jittery about the prospect of a large influx of foreign protesters arriving because of deadly confrontations with pro-Palestinian activists in the past. In the worst instance,Israeli naval commandos clashed with activists on board a flotilla trying to break Israel8217;s blockade of the Gaza Strip in May 2010,killing nine activists.

Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai said the government 8220;will make sure that everyone who wants to provoke is returned home and the rest will be allowed to enter Israel.8221;

By early evening,the Interior Ministry said a total of 49 people had been stopped at the airport,most on flights from France,but also from Spain,Switzerland,Canada,Italy and Portugal. At least 12 were placed on flights back home,while arrangements were being made to expel the others.

Hundreds of police were deployed in and around the airport. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said nine Israeli sympathisers were questioned at the airport after causing 8220;public disturbances,8221; such as unfurling pro-Palestinian banners. No other unrest was reported.

Asked why Israeli authorities consider this particular group of activists a threat,Rosenfeld replied that they have 8220;security backgrounds8221; or were 8220;involved previously in different activities,8221; including 8220;security issues concerning Israel.8221;

He would not elaborate.

Hundreds of additional activists were expected to arrive on flights later today.