Israel: Protests and strikes against planned judicial reform ongoing nationwide July 11 /update 1

Event

Protesters against the judicial reform continue to demonstrate across Israel, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, including near the country's Knesset (Parliament) on July 11. Protesters had earlier attempted to block Highway 2, Ayalon Highway, and Highway 1, the main roads between Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). As of the evening of July 11, protesters have gathered near TLV's Terminal 3.

Demonstrations began late July 10 after the government's planned judicial reform passed its first reading in the Knesset. Throughout the night, protesters clashed with police, and several arrests were made nationwide. Protesters have asked the Histadrut labor federation to call for a nationwide general strike.

Heightened security and severe transport disruptions are likely for the duration of the protests. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse. Police may resort to tear gas and other crowd-control measures to disperse the protesters.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence. Monitor local media for protest activity, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Keep away from areas where security forces appear to be deploying. Confirm the availability of transport and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions near demonstrations. Heed instructions from authorities.