By Axel Lier
After the Hamas terrorists’ war of aggression on Israel, the police state security prepared a threat assessment (19 pages, “for official use only”). It provides information about the security situation in Berlin and shows where it is particularly dangerous for Jews and Israel supporters.
In the secret paper, the state protectors assess the current situation and outline conceivable scenarios in order to derive protective measures. In principle, an “increased risk situation” can be assumed in Berlin, it is said. However, Hamas fans have not yet called for “violent actions”. “We have no information about any specific threats,” said a state security officer to the BZ
► Who needs to be afraid of attacks?
“Hostility and even attacks on people who are clearly Israeli or Jewish in the city” – especially in connection with Palestine demonstrations – “are within the realm of probability.” Damage to Jewish and Israeli institutions is also classified as “probable”. US buildings and journalists covering meetings could also be attacked.
► What is the worst case scenario?
Rather unlikely, but still worth considering: attempts to “get onto the premises of Israeli missions”, throwing paint bags, Molotov cocktails and shots – similar to 1999, when PKK supporters attacked Israel after the arrest of PKK leader Öcalan stormed the embassy. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (62, SPD) made it clear on Friday: “The protection of Israeli and Jewish life is an absolute priority.”
► Where is it particularly dangerous?
“The North Neukölln area (particularly Hermannplatz, Neukölln Town Hall and the Kottbusser Tor) as well as the government district (particularly Alexanderplatz and Paris Platz) are emerging as preferred meeting places for pro-Palestinian gatherings,” says the management report. The scene also hits and stays on the northern Sonnenallee and in the High Deck settlement.
► How dangerous are pro-Palestinian gatherings?
The police are “highly likely” expecting anti-Semitic and anti-Israel chants, flags, posters and the glorification of Hamas. Police officers must expect “insults, physical attacks, stones, firecrackers and bottles thrown as well as violence against police vehicles”. The perpetrators: “mostly teenagers/young adult groups”. “Solidarization effects” are “highly likely” to occur during arrests. Number of participants: lower three-digit to mid-four-digit range. And: spontaneous or clandestine (secret, Editor’s note) prepared actions are “to be taken into account at any time and especially at night.”
► How great is the danger from lone perpetrators?
There is no absolute certainty that there will be no major “damaging events”. “The possible danger from irrational, emotional or radicalized individual perpetrators or small groups is generally pointed out,” analyze the state security officers. “Hamas’ apparent successes” could strengthen activists and encourage them to “behave more action-oriented and possibly become radicalized.”