Rivlin to protesters: The right to protest is a treasured value

"Violence and incitement are not, and will not be tolerated," the president emphasized as he addressed protesters.

By ALEX WINSTON
Israel President Reuven Rivlin (photo credit: JERUSALEM POST)
Israel President Reuven Rivlin
(photo credit: JERUSALEM POST)
President Reuven Rivlin addressed the ongoing protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Haifa on Monday.
Rivlin told Israelis that “the right to protest is a treasured value in our democratic culture: It must not be harmed. It is one of the values on which the Jewish and democratic state, which is so dear to us all, is based.”
Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets throughout the country in the past few weeks to express dissatisfaction at the way Netanyahu has handled the ongoing coronavirus crisis in Israel.
Several thousand gathered on Saturday night in front of Netanyahu’s official residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem, with many describing the current government as “detached and failing” and calling on Netanyahu to resign immediately.
A total of 12 people were arrested on Saturday night.
“Along with the right of protest is the prohibition of any kind of violence," Rivlin continued. "Violence and incitement are not, and will not be tolerated. Those who incite, those who call for violence, those who raise a hand against the protesters, must and will be dealt with by law enforcement officials to the fullest extent of the law.”
The president also made a direct address to the protesters, saying, "If you have decided to join a protest, any protest, to support any idea – I call on you: Please, make sure to do so in a way that keeps safe distances and preserves public order, is in coordination with the police and respects the State of Israel."
Tamar Beeri contributed to this article.