Ben Gvir seeking to outlaw protests blocking major roads, seeks AG’s approval

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is seeking the approval of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for a policy paper that would outlaw protests blocking major roads and protests in synagogues.

The new policy would prohibit protests blocking highways and major routes, as well as those leading to hospitals, isolated towns, emergency routes and Ben-Gurion Airportֿ.

The policy paper comes after years of anti-government protesters, as well as demonstrations on behalf of the hostages held in Gaza, blocking roads in Tel Aviv and elsewhere. Two major days of protest for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal this month saw demonstrators block major highways.

The policy would also require protesters to obtain approval from the police, who Ben Gvir oversees, in order to block roads within cities.

Protests in synagogues, Ben Gvir writes, would likewise be prohibited based on the claim that they impede freedom of religion.

Ben Gvir has feuded regularly with Baharav-Miara, whom the government voted recently to push out — a move that was frozen by the High Court until further notice. He has asked her approval for the new policy, according to the Haaretz daily, based on an April agreement that requires him to confer with the attorney general and police commissioner before setting policy on protests and freedom of expression.