Simcha Rothman evacuated by police after protesters surround house

Israeli protesters at the scene chanted while addressing Simcha Rothman, who was staying in a house temporarily: “Coward, go home!”

 Israelis block the Ayalon highway and clash with Police in Tel Aviv during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul on March 23, 2023.  (photo credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)
Israelis block the Ayalon highway and clash with Police in Tel Aviv during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul on March 23, 2023.
(photo credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)

Hundreds of anti-judicial reform protesters surrounded a house in Ramat Hasharon where Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman Simcha Rothman was staying on Thursday night.

Security forces were called to evacuate Rothman from the scene, according to Hebrew media. Police officers who arrived at the scene were recorded trying to push the protesters back.

Rothman was eventually evacuated by police, Ynet reported.

Protesters at the scene chanted "coward go home!" while addressing Rothman, who was reportedly on-site for a meeting with Yuval Tal, the president of hi-tech company Payoneer.

Protesters gather near homes of politicians

Another protest involving dozens of demonstrators also occurred on Thursday night close to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's home in Moshav Amikam, although they were prevented from reaching the house itself, with security forces keeping them a safe distance away.

The man transforming the judicial system: Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman Simcha Rothman (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
The man transforming the judicial system: Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman Simcha Rothman (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Earlier this month, Rothman was unable to attend a meeting with the Israel Bar Association to discuss the judicial reform due to security concerns. A week earlier, demonstrators protested outside a Walla office while Rothman was inside participating in an interview.