Israel: Hundreds protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Tel Aviv on September 17 /update 16

Event

On Thursday, September 17, hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to protest against a second nationwide lockdown, imposed due to a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, which is due to go into effect at 14:00 (local time) on Friday, September 18. Israeli authorities have implemented the lockdown, which is to last at least three weeks, over the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Media reports indicate that between 300 and 400 people participated in the demonstration, with the protest centering around Habima Square in the center of the city. Demonstrations are exempt from the new lockdown regulations.

Further protests are likely, with a heightened security presence and associated disruptions to business and transportation in the vicinity of protest sites.

Context

Protests have been reported throughout Israel in recent months over the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anger over the issue has been compounded by pre-existing anti-Netanyahu sentiment, with the Prime Minister facing three criminal cases over alleged corruption.

Advice

Those in Israel are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.