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03 Jul 2019 | 07:41 AM UTC

Israel: Protests against police brutality to continue July 3 /update 2

Activists are reportedly planning additional demonstrations to protest police brutality nationwide on July 3; heightened security measures and transportation disruptions likely

Warning

Event

Activists are reportedly planning to hold additional demonstrations to protest police brutality on Wednesday, July 3, across Israel. According to media reports, protesters will attempt to block access to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and rally outside of the Prime Minister’s residence in Caesarea starting at 15:00 (local time). Other protest sites include the Azrieli intersection in Tel Aviv, the coastal road in Netanya, Petah Tikva, Rosh Ha’ayin, Ashkelon, and Jerusalem. Related rallies may take place in other parts of the country. Heightened security measures and significant traffic disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations.

It is unclear how many people will attend the demonstrations, but significant traffic disruptions were reported during associated rallies on Tuesday, July 2. Clashes also broke out between protesters and police officers in some areas, resulting in around 47 officers being wounded and 60 people being arrested. On Wednesday morning, police officials announced they will allow the demonstrations but will act aggressively to stop any violence that occurs. Similar clashes are possible during the Wednesday’s rallies.

Context

Tensions have been high in the country since an off-duty police officer allegedly shoot an unarmed man of Ethiopian descent in Kiryat Haim area of Haifa on June 30. On July 1, protesters burned tires and erected barricades in Haifa. Large crowds reportedly gathered in Kiryat Haim and Kiryat Ata after the accused officer was put on house arrest. Associated rallies were reported in Kiryat Ono, Be'er Sheva, Ashkelon, Rehovot, and other cities across Israel through the evening (local time) on July 1.

Advice

Individuals in Israel are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Travelers flying to or from TLV are advised to allow additional time to travel to the airport and possible flight disruptions.