search

Herzog calls for restraint ahead of Bnei Brak protest

President Isaac Herzog at a ceremony in Tel Aviv, March 13, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
President Isaac Herzog at a ceremony in Tel Aviv, March 13, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

President Isaac Herzog says he has been holding talks to “prevent violence and lower the flames” ahead of a planned large anti-government demonstration in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak.

Herzog says he is speaking to a wide range of people on all sides.

“There is no disputing the importance of the right to demonstrate and protest, being a basic and necessary democratic element,” a statement from Herzog says, adding that he “implores everyone to show responsibility and avoid any aspect that may incite baseless hatred and deepen the severe rift we are in.”

Protests are planned for the ultra-Orthodox Tel Aviv suburb, home to several coalition Knesset members, sparking fears that the demonstrations could ignite conflict with locals, many of whom back the coalition parties pushing the controversial judicial legislation.

Earlier, dozens of Haredi men and boys gathered to dance in front of protesters who were demonstrating outside the Jerusalem home of Shas leader Aryeh Deri.

Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: [email protected]
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.