JERUSALEM, June 2 (Reuters) - Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel would act with restraint and determination to prevent a crossing of its borders when Palestinians plan a mass protest along its frontiers next week.
Like any country in the world, Israel has the right and duty to guard and defend its borders. Therefore my instructions are clear, to act with restraint, but with the necessary decisiveness to protect our borders, our communities and our citizens, Netanyahu said in a speech.
Thirteen people were killed last month when Israeli troops tried to prevent thousands of Palestinian protesters who had surged towards its frontiers from crossing its borders with Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians are planning to stage a similar protest on Sunday, which comes in response to another call on Facebook to cross Israel's borders on the 44th anniversary of the start of 1967 Middle East War in which Israel captured East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Golan Heights.
(Writing by Ari Rabinovitch)