Israel
Ben-Gvir moves to ban protest roadblocks after anti-war demos
The National Security Minister insisted that activists must not be allowed to disrupt emergency routes, access roads and the approach to Ben-Gurion Airport
August 29, 2025 13:19
The National Security Minister insisted that activists must not be allowed to disrupt emergency routes, access roads and the approach to Ben-Gurion Airport
August 29, 2025 13:19Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has unveiled a policy document for the Israel Police restricting some protest tactics, including a ban on blocking key roads, following mass anti-war demonstrations in recent weeks.
The document stipulates that emergency routes, hospital access roads, approach roads to Ben-Gurion International Airport, highways and routes to isolated communities "must remain open at all times," Channel 12 reported.
The policy also includes restrictions on rallies that include placing or throwing objects on roads, as well as protests inside houses of worship.
"Freedom of expression and demonstration are important, but not at the expense of human life and public safety," said Ben-Gvir. "This policy balances the right to demonstrate with the police's duty to maintain freedom of movement, public order and the State of Israel's security.
"It is unacceptable that main roads, access routes to hospitals and emergency routes be blocked, creating a real danger," he declared.
According to the policy paper, "blocking major or essential traffic arteries endangers road users, damages the state’s infrastructure, disrupts the fabric of life, prevents women in labour and patients from reaching hospitals, and obstructs the free movement of the security forces, denying the public the ability to exercise their freedom and rights”.
The move seemingly comes in response to the mass protests organised by hostage organisations both this week and last, calling on the government to end the war in Gaza and agree a deal to return the hostages.
Ben-Gvir is one of the most prominent opponents of a ceasefire in government, arguing that only “total victory” over Hamas will ensure the captives’ safe return.
Demonstrations have often involved blockades of major traffic arteries such as Tel Aviv's Ayalon Highway, in addition to the lighting of bonfires on roads.
Ben-Gvir said on Thursday that, if the Attorney-General's Office failed to respond within five days, the changes would automatically take effect.
Gali Baharav-Miara, who was dismissed as the attorney-general on August 4 but remains in her position pending a judicial review, is expected to express opposition to the move, according to the Kan public broadcaster.
Baharav-Miara is reportedly set to argue that, while Ben-Gvir is allowed to set police policy, it "must remain general and without politicisation or interference in the police's discretion.
This could spark the latest flashpoint in the long-running row between the attorney-general, who was appointed prior to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s re-election in 2022, and the governing coalition, which has accused her of abusing her position to undermine its policies.
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