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.
Responsibly covering this tumultuous time
As The Times of Israel’s political correspondent, I spend my days in the Knesset trenches, speaking with politicians and advisers to understand their plans, goals and motivations.
I'm proud of our coverage of this government's plans to overhaul the judiciary, including the political and social discontent that underpins the proposed changes and the intense public backlash against the shakeup.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers across the world properly informed during this tumultuous time. Have you appreciated our coverage in past months? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
~ Carrie Keller-Lynn, Political Correspondent
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this