Tel Aviv police chief says no change in policy ahead of protests

The chief of Israel Police’s Tel Aviv precinct, Ami Eshed, says that there is no change in policy ahead of major anti-government rallies in the city.

“Our main goal is that everyone who comes to the demonstration will be able to arrive in an orderly manner and leave here in an orderly and safe manner,” Eshed is quoted by the Ynet news site as saying during a tour of Habima Square, where the protests will be held later.

“Our only goal is to deal with people who are committing vandalism or violence. We don’t deal with things that are trivial,” he tells officers, apparently referring to orders by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to not allow the Palestinian flag to be flown.

“All other things, you the commanders will make a decision. You know the policy, it hasn’t changed,” he adds.

Protest groups have warned about the potential use of water cannons by police.