Police scuffle with anti-government protesters attempting to block Ayalon Highway

Gantz vows to continue fight against ‘regime’s coup’

Israeli protesters attend a rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on January 14, 2023 (AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)

National Unity party leader vows to continue to fight against the government’s judicial restructuring plan after attending tonight’s mass protest in Tel Aviv.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came tonight to this important protest,” Gantz says. “We will continue to act against this regime’s coup and for reforms — but only with wide agreement.”

Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz taking part in the demonstration tonight pic.twitter.com/x4pMieX7kF

— ‏Tal Schneider טל שניידר تال شنايدر (@talschneider) January 14, 2023

Labor party leader Merav Michaeli says, “The rain doesn’t scare us and you certainly don’t either. We will not let you destroy our democracy.”

Right-wing lawmakers including Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich lash out at the media for covering the protests, accusing journalists of double standards and claiming anti-government demonstrations against the previous coalition did not get the same coverage. Those events did not approach the scale of tonight’s Tel Aviv demonstration, however.

Dan Netanyahu, cousin of prime minister, slams proposed judicial overhaul

Dan Netanyahu, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cousin addressed the anti-government demonstration at Habima Square in Tel Aviv earlier tonight.

He emphasizes the importance of the three branches of government, and says that without them, Israel ceases to be a democracy.

He says the so-called override clause, which would allow lawmakers to overrule High Court rulings, will bring an end to the court and the faith of the public in the judiciary.

He says the government’s plans will eventually allow the government to make opposition political parties illegal.

“My cousin Netanyahu. We met to eulogize my mother, a retired Supreme Court judge. At the same time, you expressed your admiration for my mother… a role model and example for the legal community and the entire people of Israel,” he says.

“The judicial system is independent and should not be dragged to the will of the public,” he adds.

Protesters attempt to break into Ayalon Highway through mall’s underground parking

Police say around 100 anti-government protesters have attempted to break into the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv by sneaking through the underground parking lot of the Azrieli mall.

“Police forces are blocking them,” a spokesperson says.

המשטרה הצליחה להדוף את המפגינים והם יוצאים כעת מעזריאלי לכיוון דרך נמיר pic.twitter.com/eL920VNDZH

— Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) January 14, 2023

Ehud Barak says Netanyahu’s government is legal but ‘illegitimate’

Speaking to Channel 12 news during the anti-government protest in Tel Aviv this evening, former prime minister Ehud Barak says Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is legal but “illegitimate.”

“This government is legal, but clearly illegitimate because of its plan to crush Israeli democracy,” Barak says.

“We are seeing a coup here. This is an assassination of the declaration of independence, and democracy must defend itself,” he says.

Police scuffle with protesters attempting to block Ayalon Highway

Police block off the entrance to the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv amid an anti-government rally, January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Police are scuffling with some anti-government protesters who are attempting to block the Ayalon Highway.

The crowd surges toward an entrance to the highway, where police have placed roadblocks.

Some protesters are trying to break through onto the highway, but officers block the way.

The crowd then rushes to another entrance to the highway on the other side of the junction to try and break through.

המפגינים רצים מצד לצד בצומת בין הירידות לאיילון ומנסים לרדת לכביש. המשטרה הודפת אותם ובמקום יש דחיפות ועימותים pic.twitter.com/dNHJdiyfjA

— Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) January 14, 2023

At Tel Aviv protest, chair of Bar Association slams ‘poisonous’ proposed judicial reforms

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

Avi Himi, chair of the Israel Bar Association hails the diversity of anti-government protesters at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, united in one goal, “the struggle for Israel’s democracy.”

He warns that the destruction of democracies begins with the disbandment of the judiciary.

Himi says the government’s reforms are “poisonous” to democracy, and compares Israel’s situation to Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and fears one day, Iran. He vows the opposition will not be silenced by water cannons.

Himi pans the government’s complaints that they are unable to govern, and challenges them to show a High Court decision that prevents them from fighting poverty, the high cost of living, and going to war.

“There’s none, there’s no decisions like this,” he says.

Israel Bar Association head Avi Himi speaks during a conference in Tel Aviv, June 29, 2021. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

“[The High Court] prevents you from discriminating against women, LGBTQ people, Arab citizens, secular people, and appointing criminals to ministerial positions.”

Himi calls on Likud lawmakers to not vote for the judicial reforms proposed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. “History will judge you,” he says.

“There are more important things than your seat, there are more important things than politics. Do not take away the separation of powers. Leave us one branch that is not governed by politics,” Himi says.

“If Netanyahu can’t put the brakes on his extreme partners, us citizens will do it for him,” he adds.

Anti-government demonstrators march toward Ayalon Highway

Demonstrators march toward the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv amid an anti-government rally, January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Anti-government demonstrators are coming from two directions toward the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv.

“Human rights for everyone. We have come to expel the darkness,” the marchers sing.

“There’s no equality, we’re heading down to the Ayalon,” they chant.

But a leader of the march says over a loudspeaker: “We respect you despite [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben Gvir, and will not go down to the Ayalon.”

Police have placed roadblocks and bolstered forces in the area to prevent the crowd from blocking the highway.

Police block off the entrance to the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv amid an anti-government rally, January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Former top judge at rally: We are at a fateful moment for Israel’s moral future

Former Israeli Justice of the Supreme Court Ayala Procaccia seen at the Labor Court in Jerusalem on December 19, 2013. (Miriam Alster/Flash 90)

At the rally, former Supreme Court justice Ayala Procaccia says “something is deeply broken in our social pact, in the framework of rules agreed upon throughout the country’s history. We are at the start of a new era in which democracy has a new definition: not a value-based democracy but a fractured democracy leaning entirely on ‘the will of the voter,’ that no longer gives any weight to other democratic principles.”

Procaccia says the public “will not accept… the destruction of the values that are the basis of our system.”

“We are at a fateful moment of decision for the moral future of Israel,” she says, vowing to “use legal means to do everything to defend our principled lives in this country.”

Road near President’s Residence reopens after protest, but dozens remain in the area

Dozens of protesters gather on Hanasi Street in Jerusalem, near the President's Residence, amid an anti-government rally, January 14, 2023. (Michael Bachner/Times of Israel)

The road near the residence of President Isaac Herzog reopens, but dozens still remain on Hanasi Street in Jerusalem as the bulk of demonstrators against the government’s judicial overhaul have begun a march.

The protesters urge Herzog: “Wake up, we have no other place.”

The slogans also include “Yariv Levin, this is not Poland,” “Bibi, Sara, this isn’t Hungary” and “We won’t stay silent if there’s no equality before the law.”

“I feel like Israel is losing its balance, the system is serving Netanyahu and the end justifies all means,” says protester Nathanel Stawski.

“The balance of powers is being upended. The justice system isn’t perfect, but an override clause with 61 [MKs able to strike down rulings] neuters the High Court of Justice.”

Police have placed roadblocks preventing protesters from marching toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s temporary residence on Azza Street.

Tzipi Livni adresses anti-government protest in Tel Aviv: ‘Nobody is above the law, not even the PM’

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Veteran ex-lawmaker Tzipi Livni takes the stage to address anti-government protesters in Tel Aviv.

Livni charges that Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government is fighting against the courts, so they can govern without limit. She vows that opponents of the government will not stand down.

“In Israel, nobody will be above the law, not even the prime minister,” she says.

“Together we will protect the state, because it is for all of us.”

Addressing lawmakers advancing a controversial judicial overhaul, she says “history will not forget.”

Tzipi Livni attends an Israel Bar Association event in Tel Aviv, July 11, 2022. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Cop seen punching demonstrator in Jerusalem

A police officer is seen assaulting a protester during an anti-government demonstration outside the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

Israel Police chief Kobi Shabtai’s office tells the Kan public broadcaster that the incident is being investigated.

It is unclear what preceded the violence.

ההפגנה נגד הממשלה: שוטר תועד מכה מפגין בפניו במחאה מול בית הנשיא בירושלים | לידיעה המלאה >>> https://t.co/C5C7RLOAfw@SuleimanMas1
(צילום: פרי ג׳רוזלם) pic.twitter.com/aO3xQ7XLwu

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) January 14, 2023

Right-wing agitators attempt to provoke reaction at Tel Aviv anti-government protest

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)

Despite warnings that the Tel Aviv anti-government protest may attract right-wing agitators, there has been no violence.

Two teens wearing scarves marking them out as fans of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer team, known for its right-wing fans, attempt to provoke a reaction. “Only Ben Gvir,” one teen repeatedly shouts, referring to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

“Stupid boy,” responds one older lady as the rest of the crowd ignores him.

Police block entrance to Ayalon Highway amid anti-government protest

Police block off the entrance to the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, during an anti-government protest, on January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Police block the entrance to the Ayalon Highway, preventing protesters from entering and disrupting traffic.

Earlier, several hundred protesters marched toward the highway, but stopped short of blocking the Ayalon in an apparent attempt to avoid conflict with police.

Instead, they rallied in the middle of Menachem Begin Street, also a key highway. And after around twenty minutes they turned around and headed back toward Habima Square.

There are no attempts currently to block the highway by protesters.

Anti-government protesters in Jerusalem hold march

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, outside the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on January 14, 2023. (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)

An hour and a half into the anti-government protest outside the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the crowd of several hundred demonstrators begin marching toward Azza Road, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s temporary residence is located.

Earlier, police placed roadblocks to prevent crowds from nearing the premier’s home.

The crowd, including families with young children, kippah wearers, and older residents, are shouting, “My country has three branches of government, three!”

The demonstrators are 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.

עזה פינת ארלוזורוב, הפגנה מהרגועות שראינו בואכה ימי בלפור pic.twitter.com/xXM1B58X2r

— Haim Goldich | חיים גולדיטש (@HGoldich) January 14, 2023

‘I am seeing the end of democracy’: protesters arrive at Habima Square amid torrential rain

Israeli protesters carry umbrellas during a rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on January 14, 2023. (Jack Guez/AFP)

The crowd at the anti-government protest at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square cheers as torrential rain begins to pour down.

Despite Israelis being notoriously rain-averse, people continue to arrive at the rally as a smaller number leave.

Sheltering under a tree, Lorna from Tel Aviv says she came to the protest to try to ensure the future for her grandchildren.

“I feel like we are living in the beginnings of a dystopian state,” she says. “I am seeing the end of democracy and I feel personally threatened.”

Chair of Movement for a Quality Government in Israel says Netanyahu’s government seeking to ‘change DNA of Israel’

Eliad Shraga, chair of the Movement for the Quality of Government, and a police officer tour at the Habima Square in Tel Aviv, ahead of a protest, January 13, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

The chair of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, Eliad Shraga, addresses the crowd during the major anti-government protest in Tel Aviv.

“Always remember that we prefer the cold and the rain of liberal democracy than the heat and hell of a fascist dictatorship,” he says.

Shraga calls on President Isaac Herzog to declare Benjamin Netanyahu as unfit to serve as prime minister.

He says the new government aims to take “change the DNA of the State of Israel,” transforming it from a secular state to a religious fundamentalist state that harms the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.

Shraga vows to continue the struggle for democratic Israel across the country for “liberty, equality, and quality of governance.”

Police estimate 80,000 protesters gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Police estimate that some 80,000 people have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Organizers say they expect tens of thousands to participate in the rallies in the coming hours.

Police chief holds assessment amid anti-government protests in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem

Police chief Kobi Shabtai holds an assesment from his office in Tel Aviv regarding the ongoing protests in the city, Haifa, and Jerusalem, January 14, 2023. (Israel Police)

Police chief Kobi Shabtai holds an assessment regarding the ongoing anti-government protests in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem.

“Shabtai is currently holding a situational assessment meeting from his office in Tel Aviv and is receiving regular updates from the demonstrations taking place tonight,” police spokesman Eli Levi says.

Protesters march toward Ayalon Highway amid anti-government rally in Tel Aviv

Protesters march down Ibn Gabirol Street in Tel Aviv, during an anti-government protest, on January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Hundreds of protesters are marching down Ibn Gabirol Street in Tel Aviv amid a major anti-government rally in the city.

The protesters are being escorted by police down the road, which has been blocked for vehicular traffic.

“No democracy without the High Court,” they chant with drummers, 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.

Motorists on nearby roads are cheering and honking in support of the march, despite being caught in a jam.

The protesters are heading toward the Ayalon Highway.

Police on Thursday warned against potential unrest during the protests.

Gantz arrives at anti-government demonstration in Tel Aviv with heavy security

National Unity leader MK Benny Gantz arrives at an anti-government protest in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

National Unity party leader and former defense minister MK Benny Gantz arrives at a major anti-government protest in Tel Aviv with several police officers surrounding him.

Some in the crowd cheer as he arrives. Gantz thanks an onlooker who says it’s good to see him at the rally.

“Don’t sit with him Gantz,” shouts a man from the crowd, referring to reports that the former minister may join Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government.

“I am standing here,” Gantz responds.

Despite rain, police estimate 20,000 protesters have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square

Thousands of people protest against the Israeli government at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Police officials estimate that some 20,000 people have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, despite the rainy weather.

Organizers say they expect tens of thousands to participate in the rallies in the coming hours.

The demonstrations mark the second week that opponents of 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.

Over 1000 anti-government protesters gather outside President’s Residence in Jerusalem

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, outside the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on January 14, 2023. (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)

Over one thousand Jerusalemites are gathering outside the President’s Residence in the capital, bundled in winter coats and hats, waving Israeli flags and placards, calling for the president, Isaac Herzog, to emerge.

“Bougie, wake up, the house is burning,” the demonstrators chant, referring to the president by his nickname.

“Bougie Bougie, wake up, the public is worth more.”

The protest comes as thousands hold anti-government protests in Tel Aviv and Haifa

Crowds begin to fill streets of Tel Aviv as Habima Square reaches capacity

Crowds fill the streets of Tel Aviv during an anti-government protest, on January 14, 2023. (Naomi Lanzkron/Times of Israel)

Despite a 7 p.m. start time and the relentless rain, thousands continue to pour into Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for the anti-government rally.

With the square now apparently at capacity, the crowds begin to fill the surrounding streets.

As well as policing the square, at least two dozen officers are apparently stationed at the Dizengoff exit, a likely route if a march were to take place.

The rally is being held under the command of regional Tel Aviv police chief Ami Eshed, who has said that his forces will not take action if protestors march without a permit, and will instead only act against demonstrators if there is violence or vandalism.

Eshed’s comments came after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had called for police to take a harder line against anti-government protesters

Police estimate 15,000 protesters have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Police officials estimate that some 15,000 people have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Organizers say they expect tens of thousands to participate in the rallies in the coming hours.

The demonstrations mark the second week that opponents of 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.

Thousands gather at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square: ‘We are starting to not recognize our own country’

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 14, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Thousands of demonstrators begin to gather in Tel Aviv’s Habima square for protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and planned legislative changes, including a controversial judicial overhaul.

Despite the inclement weather, some 50,000 are expected to attend the rally, with many traveling to Tel Aviv from around the country on hired coaches.

Reut from Tel Aviv came to the protest as part of a three-generation delegation from her family.

“We are starting to not recognize our own country,” she says. “And that’s an understatement.”

Hadas traveled from Ganei Tikva. “We don’t like what’s happening here,” she says.

“I don’t know if [protesting] will make a difference. But if we don’t do something then for sure nothing will change,” she adds.

Anti-government protests also held in Haifa, Jerusalem

Hundreds of people are gathering at the Horev Center in Haifa for protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

There are also plans for rallies near the President’s Residence in Jerusalem later tonight.

The main demonstration is starting at Habima Square in Tel Aviv.

חיפה: דמוקרטיות מבוססות על שלוש רשויות. pic.twitter.com/PYEcGIAAoR

— Prof. Arie Kizel ????️‍???? (@KizelArie) January 14, 2023

כאלף יצאו מהבית בחיפה, בערב הגשום הזה, ומפגינים במרכז חורב pic.twitter.com/nBLLFwTElu

— יואב איתיאל מדווח כי (@yoavetiel) January 14, 2023

Former police chief warns of ‘planted’ rioters in tonight’s anti-government protest

Then-Israeli Police commissioner Moshe Karadi, March 27 2007. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

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

Deputy Commissioner Ami Eshed, the chief of Israel Police's Tel Aviv precinct, speaks to reporters at Habima Square, ahead of major anti-government rallies, January 14, 2023. (Screenshot Ynet; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The chief of Israel Police’s Tel Aviv precinct, Ami Eshed, 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,” Eshed 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

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on January 7, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

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.