Ultra-Orthodox urged not to confront planned protest in Bnei Brak

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a call to the Haredi community not to confront a planned anti-government protest in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs to talk with the heads of ultra-Orthodox parties, leaders and influencers, calling on the public not to go to areas where there’s friction and not to be dragged into provocations,” says a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

“The prime minister praised the call of Rabbi Edelstein and the leaders of the ultra-Orthodox community who urged their followers to behave with tolerance and patience,” the statement says.

Protests are planned for the ultra-Orthodox Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak, 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 the protesters who were demonstrating outside the Jerusalem home of Shas leader Aryeh Deri.