Nationwide Protests Erupt Against War and for Return of Hostages

Dozens of protesters gathered across Israel on Saturday evening to demonstrate against the ongoing war and in support of the return of kidnapped Israeli citizens, despite heightened security restrictions and police crackdowns tied to the state of emergency on the home front.

Demonstrations took place in multiple cities, including in front of the homes of senior government officials:

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Nir Barkat in Jerusalem

• Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Tel Aviv, where two demonstrators were arrested

• MK Eli Dellal (Likud) in Netanya

• Netanyahu associate Simon Falik’s home in Jerusalem

Other protest sites included Likud Party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Guma Junction, Karkur Junction, and Ness Ziona.

Arrests and Police Directives at Ministers’ Homes

At a protest near the home of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Jerusalem, police arrested a protester, and another was arrested merely for shining a flashlight.

Police instructed demonstrators near Netanyahu’s residence to relocate to the intersection of Gaza and Metudela Streets. Protesters near Barkat’s home were ordered to evacuate entirely. In Tel Aviv, an officer informed demonstrators outside Sa’ar’s home that their gathering violated the emergency guidelines because the crowd exceeded 30 people.

Haifa: Preemptive Police Deployment and Arrests

In Haifa, police were deployed in advance to Prisoner Square in the German Colony, preventing protesters from assembling in the area. Small groups relocated to Emil Habibi Square, where, despite no visible signs or slogans, police demanded identification from individuals. One person was arrested following a verbal confrontation with the Haifa police station commander.

Online Rally Draws 1,000 Participants

In light of security concerns and Home Front Command restrictions, over 1,000 people joined an online rally calling for the immediate return of hostages.

Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of kidnapped Israeli Yarden Bibas, stated during the event:

“Just as they took a courageous decision to attack Iran, so we are now one right decision away from bringing everyone back. The story in Gaza could end.”

Legal Debate Over Emergency Powers and Protest Rights

Since the war with Iran began, Israeli police have routinely banned public demonstrations, citing emergency regulations. Multiple arrests have been made even in cases where demonstrators stood alone or in small groups, prompting public debate over the legality of such enforcement.

On Friday, a protester near the Prime Minister’s residence was told by police:

“If you continue to stand here and demonstrate, you will be detained. That’s it, the matter is over.”

However, legal experts note that the declaration of a special state of emergency on the home front does not override the right to protest. Under Israeli law, such a declaration allows the IDF broader authority in civilian areas but does not grant the police automatic power to suppress demonstrations.