Thousands protested against the government’s planned judicial reforms last night, despite the ongoing Operation Shield and Arrow in the Gaza Strip.
Although official demonstrations in Tel Aviv were called off due to rocket threats, unofficial demonstrations took place, with hundreds taking part.
In Haifa, about 5,000 people demonstrated, while over a thousand protesters gathered at Nahalal junction and a demonstration at Karkur junction drew hundreds. In Arad, dozens gathered to protest.
About 250 protesters met at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, in preparation for a planned march to Kaplan Street. In the process, they blocked Dizengoff Street and lit a flare, according to Ynet.
As part of the demonstration, some protesters strapped fake boulders to their backs, on which they had written the amounts of government funds going to the Jewish Tradition Ministry, settlements and ultra-Orthodox institutions, among others. They held signs in English and Hebrew, saying “Not on our backs,” “What about living?” and “Not at our expense.”
Although official demonstrations in Tel Aviv have been postponed, unofficial demonstrations were expected to take place.
The organizers of the weekly judicial reform protests disagreed over the weekend about whether or not to cancel the protests due to the security concerns.
PROTESTERS AGAINST judicial reform at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, May 13, 2023. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)The big weekly Tel Aviv protest in Kaplan was canceled, the organizers said on Friday. They said that after speaking with police and other security services, they would be canceling the demonstrations for the safety of the protesters.
The organizers put out a statement on Friday outlining their position.
“Our first concern is always for the safety of our people who defend democracy. Therefore, out of responsibility to protect our people, we decided to delay the demonstration for one week,” they said.
“We will continue to be vigilant, and if it seems that the government is promoting changes related to the coup d’état then protests will be moved forward. We will take to the streets of Israel with all our strength. Let the Israeli government not mistake our intentions – we are guarding democracy and will make sure that Israel remains democratic.”
Demonstrations to continue in the North
Demonstrations in the North continue and are expected to receive much larger crowds than usual as many protestors are expected to join them.
A police spokesperson said that the police are preparing for a procession from Merkaz haCarmel to Horev, followed by a demonstration at Horev. The demonstration is expected to begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday. During the demonstration, traffic will not be permitted on Hanasi Boulevard from the Bikurim junction towards the Horev center in both directions.
The police are expected to deploy dozens of police officers as well as alter traffic schedules, with traffic and public transport being redirected to alternative routes. The updates will be available on the relevant websites.
During the procession, entry and exit from the neighborhoods of Kababir, Carmelia, and Shambor will only be possible through HaTzofim Street and HaYam Road.
