From the Liveblog of
Saturday, March 28, 2026
At least 18 arrested during protests against Iran war in major Israeli cities
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Officers arrested at least 18 people during demonstrations this evening against war with Iran, police announce, as they forcibly disperse protests in several major cities.
Among those arrested are 13 demonstrators in Tel Aviv and five in Haifa. Protests are also held in Jerusalem and Beersheba.
The demonstrations mark the first time that anti-government groups are taking part in protests against the ongoing war. During the first few weeks of the fighting, such demonstrations were organized and attended almost entirely by left-wing activists.
The protest in Haifa, which drew around 100 people, saw demonstrators wave Israeli flags while chanting against the ongoing fighting. One protester held a sign that read: “Millions of children are growing up in bomb shelters.”
Some participants moved to block a road, police say, leading the commander at the scene to declare the gathering unlawful.
Haifa police say they arrested lawbreakers, though at least two of those apprehended did not appear to be blocking traffic at the time of their arrest, as seen in footage from the protest.
Police broke up a similar demonstration in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square after it was deemed illegal, in light of the Home Front Command’s wartime regulations, which limit outdoor public gatherings to 50 people.
“During a situation assessment that took place at the scene with a Home Front Command representative… it was clarified that there was a real risk to human life and accordingly, Yarkon [precinct] police commander Tzachi Sharabi ordered the gathering to be dispersed,” police say.
After the conclusion of the Tel Aviv demonstration, Border Police were seen forcefully shoving attendees who were walking on the sidewalk. The officers follow the small group and repeatedly shout at them to “move forward.”
Earlier, officers were also seen in Habima Square putting their hands on Hadash-Ta’al chairman Ayman Odeh despite his parliamentary immunity. In another instance, an officer grabbed a middle-aged man by his shirt and threw him to the ground.
המשטרה מפנה בכוח מפגינים נגד המלחמה בתל אביב.
צילום: יאיר פולדש pic.twitter.com/jCnRw0rtcH— הארץ חדשות (@haaretznewsvid) March 28, 2026
גם מחוץ לכיכר הבימה, אחרי פיזור ההפגנה, שוטרים דוחפים באלימות קשה.
אחת השוטרות "אני אדחוף אותך עוד פעם, זה יעזור לך להתקדם, יאללה ת'קדם"תל אביב 28/03/2026???? רועי בושי Roi Boshi pic.twitter.com/phEsPDktLp
— אלימות ישראל (@Alimut_Israel) March 28, 2026
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