Anti-overhaul protesters clash with police outside Likud gathering in Ra’anana

Cops shove activists out of the way to clear path for Minister Galit Distel-Atbaryan, as some protesters appear to try to enter hotel where event is being held

By ToI Staff 4 September 2023, 11:31 pm Edit
Police and anti-overhaul protesters clash outside a Likud party gathering in Ra'anana on September 4, 2023. (Screenshot used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)
Police and anti-overhaul protesters clash outside a Likud party gathering in Ra'anana on September 4, 2023. (Screenshot used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)

Anti-overhaul protesters clashed with police outside a hotel in Ra’anana on Monday evening where a Likud party gathering was being held.

Protesters gathered outside the location and honked horns and waved flags, as activists also congregated on nearby balconies.

Protest organizers said they had sought to block the entrances to the hotel to prevent members of the party from entering the building.

Video posted on social media showed police officers appearing to violently shove protesters out of the way to clear a path for Public Diplomacy Minister Galit Distel Atbaryan to enter the building.

A police officer could also be seen grabbing an Israeli flag from one protester.

Distel Atbaryan posted a video of the chaos on X, writing: “Look what eight months of peddling hatred and panic have done. Watch this video and tell me if this appears sane to you.”

Some protesters also appeared to try and enter the building, struggling with police officers manning each entrance.

The Ynet news site reported that the gathering was halted due to the clashes and that Distel Atbaryan was escorted out of the building surrounded by security.

Police said in a statement late Monday that they succeeded in dispersing the hundreds of protesters. Some activists succeeding in entering the hotel, police added, accusing them of violently attacking officers and causing damage to the venue.

Energy Minister Israel Katz also entered the building under heavy police guard, greeted by the sounds of booing and car-honking.

One protester, Shmuel Vagman, said he was hurt by police officers who were guarding Katz, as he attempted to ask the minister a question. Vagman said he was seeking medical treatment.

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