The Shin Bet’s head, Ronan Bar, arrived urgently at the Prime Minister’s residence amidst widespread protests. Demonstrators entered the premises by breaking through the fences, leading to clashes with the police. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv, and there were roadblocks on Gaza Street and on Highway 1 and Ayalon Highway in both directions. These protests stemmed from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Galant, who had called for the cessation of legal reform legislation.
Galant expressed concerns about the growing division in society and its impact on the IDF and security forces, stating that he is committed to the values of the Likud movement and democracy. He urged the judiciary and Knesset to find balance and strengthen public trust. He also appealed to stop the legislative process to allow Israelis to celebrate Passover, Independence Day, and mourn on Memorial Day and Holocaust Day.
The head of the Shin Bet, Ronan Bar, urgently arrived tonight (between Sunday and Monday) at the Prime Minister’s residence, this in the shadow of the widespread protest that is taking place near the place. Earlier, protesters broke through the fences at the Prime Minister’s house, and clashes between some of them and the police were recorded there.
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Also, following the roadblock on Gaza Street in the city, where the daycare center is located, an olive branch was fired at them. As part of the protests, Highway 1 was blocked to traffic, as well as Ayalon Highway in both directions.
As you may recall, the stormy protests tonight began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Netanyahu announced this after Gallant’s remarks yesterday, that the legal reform legislation must be stopped.
Among other things, Gallant said during his statement: “As the Minister of Defense of the State of Israel, I say in the most clear way, the rift that is gradually opening up in society penetrates into the IDF and the security bodies. This is a clear and tangible danger to the security of the state. I will not give my hand to this matter, I am a right-wing person, a member of the Likud movement, I believe in its principles and am committed to its values, which place the State of Israel above all else. I am telling you here tonight as I have been saying for many years, a change is needed in the judicial system, the fabric of the relationship between the judiciary and the Knesset requires balance, this will strengthen democracy and increase public trust.”
He also added that “in the last few days and weeks, in behind-the-scenes conversations, I presented the picture of the security situation, at this time we must stop the process so that we can sit down and talk. Now I say this with my voice for the security of Israel, for the sake of our daughters and sons, we must stop the legislative process at this time to allow the people of Israel to celebrate together Passover and Independence Day and mourn together on Memorial Day and Holocaust Day, these are holy days for us.”