JERUSALEM, June 1 (Reuters) - Accustomed to a hostile response from some religious residents of Jerusalem, participants in the city's Gay Pride parade on Thursday found themselves in the unwelcome situation of looking to a far-rightist former adversary for their protection. Catapulted into national politics last year at the head of the ultranationalist Jewish Power party, Ben-Gvir has disavowed his past remarks. Ahead of the event, police said three people were detained over suspected threats against the marchers. The Islamist militant group Hamas also called on Palestinians, who contest Israeli control of Jerusalem, to "confront" the Gay Pride parade. Describing Jerusalem as a "mosaic" of differing views, Ben-Gvir said he would also safeguard the right to counter-protest.

---

Persons: Itamar Ben, Gvir, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Meirav Cohen, Jerusalem, Alon Sheler, Dan Williams, Emily Rose, Ros Russell Organizations: Jewish Power, Hamas, Reuters, Open, Thomson Locations: Jerusalem