Israel: Protests likely nationwide over coming days after Nov. 5 firing of defense minister

Anti-government protests are likely in major cities across Israel over the coming days in reaction to the Nov. 5 firing of Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. Activist groups have launched protests in Caesarea, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, with organizers expressing their intent to increase the scope of such actions. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators constructed roadblocks on the Ayalon Highway (Highway 20) during the evening of Nov. 5, while in Jerusalem, protesters assembled near the Prime Minister's home on Azza Street. Authorities have reportedly heightened their security posture near the Prime Minister's private residence and the headquarters of the Israeli Defense Forces. Future protests could take place near government buildings, in prominent public squares, or along major thoroughfares in cities and towns nationwide.

Heightened security is almost certain near any additional protests that develop. Clashes between activists and security forces cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse. Police may resort to tear gas and other crowd-control measures to disperse protesters.