Opponents of the judicial reform on Tuesday morning began a "Day of Disruptions" in protest of the Knesset's passage of the reduction of the reasonableness clause.
Following reports from Magen David Adom (MDA) that ambulances attempting to reach the scenes of the protests are being delayed, Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai has instructed his forces to clear the roads so that emergency vehicles can have clear and safe passage. Shabtai has also instructed that the police deal harshly with anyone who attempts to block roads.
During the disruptions of order, 42 suspects were arrested: 16 were arrested on suspicion of disrupting order in the Tel Aviv District, 15 were arrested during disruptions of order in the Central District, eight were arrested on suspicion of disrupting order in the Jerusalem District, and three were arrested on suspicion of violating order in the Coastal District.
In addition, one protester lit a torch under a squad car at the Kaplan Junction and was arrested on suspicion of disrupting order.
Protesters also blocked Highway 1 from the Hemed Interchange towards Jerusalem, while lighting torches and smoke grenades and blocking the path of an emergency vehicle. Police forces began working to redirect traffic and disperse the protesters, in an attempt to reopen the road using various means.
At this point, both lanes are open to traffic. In addition, vehicles are now able to reach the Hemed Interchange.
Approximately 30 protesters set up a "tent city" at the Hasira Junction, burning tires, lighting torches, and blocking vehicles at the scene. The Yarkon police force arrived at the scene, and after approximately one hour the road was reopened to traffic.
In a different incident, dozens of protesters hung signs reading, "No entry to dictatorship," near the Karkur Junction. The sign caused the road to be closed.
Protesters block the coastal highway Credit: Leon Bruckstein, Kaplan Protest
Due to the protests, demonstrations are expected to be held in hundreds of locations around Israel, causing many traffic disruptions..