Anti-War Protests Across Israel Turn Chaotic

Police arrested at least 18 people during protests Saturday night against the war with Iran, as officers used force to disperse demonstrations in several major cities.

Thousands of people took part in three main rallies: in Tel Aviv at Habima Square, in Haifa near the Horev Center, and in Jerusalem at Paris Square. The demonstrations were held under the banner “For the lives of all of us” and were organized by the Peace Partnership coalition, a group of former lawmakers and activists.

The protests marked the first time that broader anti-government organizations joined demonstrations against the war, following earlier, smaller protests led primarily by far-left groups.

In addition to opposition to the war, some demonstrators also protested the government’s proposed judicial reforms.

The largest number of arrests was reported in Tel Aviv. In Haifa, protesters blocked roads and ignored police instructions, prompting intervention by law enforcement. Reports also claimed that Hadash MK Ayman Odeh was pushed by police during the Haifa protest, though this was not independently confirmed.

Police said they respect the right to protest as a fundamental democratic principle and allow demonstrations as long as they remain within legal limits. However, they said they would act against disruptions to public order, including blocking roads or behavior that could endanger public safety.

Organizers sharply criticized the police response. The Peace Partnership coalition accused authorities of using security guidelines as a pretext to suppress political protest and alleged selective enforcement.

The Standing Together movement, which also helped organize the demonstrations, condemned the arrests and said the protest movement would continue to grow in opposition to both the war and the government.

The protests come amid ongoing fighting with Iran and its regional allies, as domestic tensions over the war and government policy continue to rise.