Israelis continued to protest on Monday against the judicial reform as the people waited for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement in which he was expected to announce a temporary end to the judicial reform legislation.
Israel Police announced on Monday that several roads near the Knesset building have been blocked as a result of protests in the area, including Rupin St., Rabin St., HaNasi HaShishi, Sderot HaMuze’onim, Lorch St., Azza St., Zusman St. and Kaplan St. The entrance to Jerusalem by HaMeitarim Bridge was also blocked by protesters, but police announced that the bridge had been re-opened to traffic a short time later.
In Jerusalem, three people were arrested for allegedly rioting and attacking police officers, according to a Monday afternoon statement from the Israel Police spokesperson’s office. In the same statement, it was reported that tens of thousands of protesters were active in Jerusalem. Israeli media estimated that there were 70,000 protesters in front of the Knesset Building.
In Tel Aviv, protestors placed rocks on Ayalon Highway in order to try and block traffic. Israel Police dispersed the protestors and removed the rocks, but other protesters still managed to block the highway. Walla! reported on Monday afternoon that the highway had been re-opened to traffic in both directions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are both seen in the Knesset in Jerusalem. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)Israel Police said in a statement on Monday that two protestors were arrested in Haifa after protesters blocked roads.
Israel Railways announced that they would be adding extra trains to the schedule to accommodate the extra passengers.
Protest organizers announced additional emergency protests on Monday afternoon, on Azza St. at 6 p.m. in Jerusalem and at 8 p.m. on Kaplan St. in Tel Aviv.
Counter-protesters in favor of the judicial reform are expected to arrive at the Knesset building at 6 p.m. on Monday. In light of this, protest organization Darkenu announced that they (representing anti-judicial reform protesters) would make sure the area in front of Knesset was clear. “We, too, respect the other’s right to protest,” Darkenu wrote in a Twitter post.
Other protest organizations contradicted this sentiment, saying that they would not leave to make room for the counter-protesters.
מסר ממטה המחאה: בכדי להימנע מאלימות, נפנה לתומכי הרפורמה את האזור מול הכנסת ב-17:30 כדי שיפגינו שם.אנו מכבדים גם את זכות המחאה של האחר. נלך להפגין בעזה. נחזור לכנסת מחר.
— דרכנו (@darkenuIL) March 27, 2023
The Beitar Jerusalem fan club La Familia announced on Monday that they would go to the Knesset on Monday evening to hold a counter-protest in support of the government and the judicial reform, causing concern that the protest could get violent if the two factions clashed.
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai held a situation assessment on Monday to discuss the security measures in place for Tuesday’s protests, according to the Israel Police spokesperson’s unit.
During the meeting, Shabtai emphasized that the Israel Police are apolitical and view the right to protest as a critical part of a healthy democracy. In addition, he reminded all present that the police have a zero-tolerance policy for violence and destruction of property.
Calls to counterprotest
Religious Zionist MK Simcha Rothman also called for supporters of the judicial reform to go and counter-protest as reports claimed Netanyahu would announce a pause to legislation.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called his supporters to action in a statement on Monday, in which he said:
“Friends, under no circumstances should we stop the judicial reform [which will] strengthen Israeli democracy. We are the majority, We must not give into violence, anarchy…and wild strikes. Let’s make our voice heard.”
He concluded his statement with a call to action: “Let’s meet tonight at 6 p.m. tonight, in Jerusalem, in front of the Knesset. I’ll be there…We can’t let them steal our voice and our country!”
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