National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has refused the request of Tourism Minister Haim Katz to prevent anti-judicial reform protestors from blocking the roads leading to Ben Gurion Airport.
In his letter to Katz, Ben-Gvir explained that the Supreme Court has ruled that he does not have the authority to stop protestors from erecting roadblocks.
"My policy on the matter is clear," wrote Ben-Gvir, "blocking roads, especially central ones, must not be allowed and the police must treat all crime equally."
He added: "As you know, while during the Disengagement the law enforcement authorities showed zero tolerance regarding roadblocks and as a result many hundreds of protesters were arrested, with the anti-reform demonstrations the law enforcement authorities allow widespread disruptions and almost no one is arrested."
"At the same time, it was determined that in practice it is not within my authority and capacity as Minister of National Security to handle the matter in question, and this authority rests with the attorney general. In light of the above, I recommend that you address this letter to the attorney general."
Minister Katz addressed a letter to Ben-Gvir and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara yesterday (Tuesday) following reports that anti-government protestors intended to cause disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport this coming Monday.
"It was brought to my attention that protesters intend to carry out acts of disruption and block access to Ben-Gurion Airport this coming Monday," Katz wrote.
"The right to demonstrate and protest is sacrosanct, at the same time blocking the main entry and exit gate to the country is a disproportionate step that is expected to seriously damage the freedom of movement of the Israeli public and tourists who wish to enter or leave the country," he said, asking Ben-Gvir and Baharav-Miara to "use all the means at your disposal and prevent the expected damage."