As Tel Aviv hostage rally disperses, police say 5 arrested, call on protesters to ‘stop the riots’

The anti-goverment, pro-hostage deal demonstration on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road disperses after several clashes between police and protesters.

In a statement, police say five protesters have been detained.

Police are working to prevent protesters from breaking through security barriers and blocking the Ayalon Highway, according to the statement.

“We call on the protesters to stop the riots that endanger the police and the rest of the protesters,” the statement says.

שער בגין – הובלה למעצר

22:30. יעל גדות pic.twitter.com/E9eAZQ4BFn

— אלימות ישראל (@Alimut_Israel) September 7, 2024

Among those arrested is a minor who crossed the street after police said to clear off of it.

The minor’s friend began arguing with the officer and was shoved aside by other officers.

Officers who drag detainees toward the nearby Azrieli Towers are frequently followed by angry protesters chanting: “Officer! Officer! Whom are you protecting?”

As police drag the minor away, another pair of officers attempts to clear the few remaining protesters in front of the IDF headquarters.

In a rare moment of camaraderie, protesters use the officers’ amplification system to urge those present to attend the coming demonstrations. The protesters then thank the officers and disperse.

Some of the anti-government activists can be seen arguing with far-right counter-protesters as firemen put out a bonfire lit during the mass demonstration.