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Former police chief warns about ‘planted’ rioters in protest; city’s top officer says no change in policy, cops won’t deal with ‘trivial things’
The Times of Israel is liveblogging Saturday’s events as they happen.
Former police chief warns of ‘planted’ rioters in tonight’s anti-government protest
Ex-police chief Moshe Karadi says law enforcement has information that “the other side” intends to plant agitators at tonight’s anti-government demonstration in Tel Aviv.
“Elements from the other side sometimes plant rioters in demonstrations for the sake of provocation and there is information on this matter in this demonstration as well,” the Kan public broadcaster cites Karadi as saying at a conference in Beersheba.
Police on Thursday warned against potential unrest during the protests.
Karadi also downplays reports of potential unrest, saying it is “fake news from certain elements,” despite an official police announcement on the matter.
Tel Aviv police chief says no change in policy ahead of protests
The chief of Israel Police’s Tel Aviv precinct, Ami Ashad, says that there is no change in policy ahead of major anti-government rallies in the city.
“Our main goal is that everyone who comes to the demonstration will be able to arrive in an orderly manner and leave here in an orderly and safe manner,” Ashad is quoted by the Ynet news site as saying during a tour of Habima Square, where the protests will be held later.
“Our only goal is to deal with people who are committing vandalism or violence. We don’t deal with things that are trivial,” he tells officers, apparently referring to orders by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to not allow the Palestinian flag to be flown.
“All other things, you the commanders will make a decision. You know the policy, it hasn’t changed,” he adds.
Protest groups have warned about the potential use of water cannons by police.
Police to close several roads in central Tel Aviv ahead of anti-government rallies
Police say they are deploying additional forces to central Tel Aviv ahead of major protests later this evening.
Several roads near the city’s iconic Habima Square will be shuttered from 6 p.m. The road closures will appear on the Waze navigation application, police say.
Police on Thursday warned against potential unrest during the protests.
According to the Haaretz daily, police also placed security around the home of Knesset speaker and Likud MK Amir Ohana, who lives near the square.
The rallies are expected to begin at around 7 p.m. according to the organizers.
The demonstrations will mark the second week that opponents of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will take to the streets, protesting Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s proposals to shake up the judiciary by severely curbing the High Court of Justice’s judicial review powers and cementing political control over the appointment of judges.