National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir addressed this evening (Tuesday) in closed conversations the police's handling of the protests of the demonstrators against the judicial reform throughout the country.
"I did not see police violence today, but the use of reasonable force against lawbreakers who attacked police officers, broke the law, blocked roads, and prevented emergency vehicles and ambulances from reaching hospitals," said Ben-Gvir.
According to him, "I am satisfied with the conduct in a very large percentage of the protests, but there are places where improvement is needed."
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai earlier rejected the protestors' claims of overcrowding caused by the police officers at Ben-Gurion airport.
"They are creating a false representation. There is enough room to turn left and right. Anyone who sees a pumper truck or mounted officer should stay away," said Shabtai in an interview with Channel 2 News. He also warned that "there is an increase in the level of violence of the protestors."
Thousands of demonstrators protested today against the judicial reform in Israel, and some of them clashed with the police. During the confrontations, the police arrested seven protesters who violated the order.
The police reported that as of the evening, 73 suspects were arrested who participated in protests against the government and violated public order. 45 of them were released.
According to the data, 33 suspects were arrested during disturbances in the Tel Aviv district, 21 suspects were arrested during disturbances in the Center district, 10 suspects were arrested in disturbances in the Jerusalem district, 7 suspects were arrested in disturbances in the coastal district.
Earlier, the Attorney General approved the protests at Ben Gurion Airport. In her opinion to the government, she stated that "Ben Gurion is a public space and therefore every person has the right to freedom of expression and demonstration in this space as well."
She also clarified that "the Director of the Airports Authority or any other entity does not have the authority by law to prevent people from entering the airport solely on the basis of the fact that they do not have a flight ticket for that day."
A senior official in the government asserted: "The opinion of the Attorney General exposes the citizens of Israel to become hostages of an extreme minority. It sets a new standard according to which demonstrations in support of her personal position override the freedom of movement in and out of the country, while causing unthinkable damage to hundreds of thousands of families who paid for a long-awaited vacation."