A far-left protest against the war was held this evening at Habima Square, where police began dispersing demonstrators after they exceeded permitted guidelines. Ten protesters were arrested.
A police officer at the scene called on participants to disperse, warning that the gathering posed a risk to public safety. He later announced the start of evacuations, stating, “If necessary, we will use force."
The demonstration followed a ruling by the Supreme Court issued during Shabbat, allowing protests of up to 600 people at the square. The court criticized uneven enforcement, noting that Home Front Command restrictions were being applied to protests but not consistently enforced at other events and venues. “This situation is difficult to reconcile," the ruling stated, adding that authorities were aware of other gatherings where guidelines were not enforced.
The decision sparked sharp political backlash, particularly over it being issued on Shabbat. The Shas party condemned it as “a trampling of the sanctity of Shabbat" and said it would file a complaint against the judges after the holiday.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized the ruling, arguing it endangers public safety. “Supreme Court judges making such decisions - whose side are you on?" he said, adding that requiring a response within an hour on Shabbat is unreasonable and harmful to security.
Deputy Communications Minister Yisrael Eichler described the decision as “a declaration of war against the sanctity of Shabbat," accusing the judges of being disconnected and intent on harming Jewish tradition.
UTJ chairman MK Moshe Gafni also condemned the ruling, calling it irresponsible and insensitive. He argued that issuing it during Shabbat was meant “to prove their superiority over the public in Israel."