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.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.