Israel: Protest against police brutality expected July 8 /update 4

Event

Israeli media outlets have reported that activists are expected to protest against police brutality in Tel Aviv on Monday, July 8. Exact locations and times of the protests were not immediately reported, although participants at previous similar demonstrations in the capital attempted to block access to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and the Azrieli intersection, as well as blocking roads 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 protests. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions have been high in the country since an off-duty police officer allegedly shot an unarmed man of Ethiopian descent in the 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 under house arrest. Associated rallies were reported in Kiryat Ono, Be'er Sheva, Ashkelon, Rehovot, and other cities across Israel throughout the evening (local time) on July 1. At least five protesters were arrested in Tel Aviv on July 10 after blocking the Azrieli intersection, along with several other arrests in Yavne and Rishon Lezion after protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police officers.

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.