HAIFA — Police arrested a 49-year-old man from Shfaram on June 6, 2026, for waving a Palestinian flag at a protest in Haifa. The demonstration marked the 59th anniversary of the Six-Day War.
The protest was initiated by Partnership for Peace and other organizations. Protesters traveled to the event on pre-organized buses, and the demonstration began at Paris Square in Haifa, concluding at the municipal square at the Allenby/Persians junction.
Yousef Jabareen, head of the Hadash list for the Knesset, spoke at a rally during the protest. He said that "The plan of decisive victory and transfer has become the official work plan of the Netanyahu-Smotrich-Ben-Gvir government." Jabareen added, "In the far-right government, Netanyahu’s Kahanist government, Smotrich speaks openly about annexation, expulsion, transfer, and settlements throughout all areas of the West Bank, in Gaza, and also in Lebanon."
Jamal Zahalka, chairman of the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, also attended the demonstration, as did former Knesset deputy speaker Mohammad Barakeh. Reem Hazan, chairwoman of the Hadash party in Haifa, was also present. Fadwa Khader, a political leader from East Jerusalem, delivered remarks at the rally, along with Eina Gertsman, who has refused military draft, and journalist Israel Frey.
Separately, counterprotesters gathered near the demonstration location, carrying an Israeli flag. Haifa city council member Tatiana John attended the counterprotest. She stated, "A protest like this does not do us any good." John added, "I do not want to see PLO flags in the State of Israel. We came to say that Haifa is in Israel." Vladimir Petrov, a 77-year-old attorney, also attended the counterprotest. Petrov said, "The Palestinians are people too, but I am completely Israeli, and our country needs to be strong, even if that means Israel will be above the Palestinians."