Herzog calls for restraint ahead of Bnei Brak protest

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.