New Rules: UK Police to Arrest Protesters For Chanting "Globalize the Intifada" Following Sydney Massacre

A Zero-Tolerance Response to Incitement

The London Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police issued a rare joint warning on Wednesday, signaling a much tougher stance against pro-Palestinian protesters who use inflammatory language. This decision follows the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which authorities say has fundamentally altered the global threat environment.

Previously, British prosecutors had often determined that phrases like "Globalize the Intifada" or "From the river to the sea" did not always meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution. However, senior police leaders now argue that the recent violence in Australia has changed the context in which these words are spoken.

“Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed, words have meaning and consequence,” the joint police statement read. “We will act decisively and make arrests.”

Heightened Security and International Pressure

The policy change comes as the UK government increases security presence around Jewish schools, shuls, and community centers. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley and Manchester Chief Constable Stephen Watson emphasized that they are recalibrating their efforts to be more assertive against anyone attempting to incite violence or spread fear within the Jewish community.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has been a vocal proponent of this crackdown, calling on all Western nations, including Australia, to respond to the surge in antisemitism seen since the October 7 massacre by Hamas terrorists. Sa’ar highlighted several slogans frequently heard at rallies, such as "Death to the IDF," as direct examples of violent incitement that cannot be ignored in a civilized society.

Leadership Against Extremism

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose wife is Jewish, has been firm in his condemnation of the recent events. He described the Sydney shooting as “sickening” and characterized it as “an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families.” Starmer has repeatedly pledged a zero tolerance policy for extremist violence and has supported the police in their more aggressive pursuit of those who use protest as a cover for antisemitic harassment.

As the war against Hamas terrorists continues in Gaza, British authorities are making it clear that the freedom to protest does not grant a license to promote the global spread of violence. By designating specific chants as grounds for arrest, the UK is taking a significant step in attempting to decouple political activism from the promotion of terrorism and religious hatred.