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

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