Israel’s Shin Bet Internal Security Agency (ISA) chief, Ronen Bar, issued a stark warning on Wednesday regarding the recent surge in violent protests in Jerusalem, following a thorough assessment of the situation in the area.
In response to the chaotic scenes witnessed overnight, Bar highlighted the alarming escalation of violent rhetoric on social media platforms and the disturbing acts witnessed on the streets of Jerusalem. He emphasized that such behavior surpasses the bounds of acceptable protest conduct, posing a serious threat to public order and potentially resulting in dangerous confrontations with security forces.
Drawing a clear distinction between legitimate protests and those marred by violence and illegality, Bar expressed deep concern over the emerging trend and its potential to lead to further destabilization. He emphasized the need to prevent the situation from deteriorating into more perilous territory.
The protests, which have been ongoing for three days in Jerusalem, have seen the establishment of a tent city stretching from the parliament building, the Knesset, towards the nearby Supreme Court building.
Tuesday night witnessed a significant turnout as thousands took to the streets to voice their grievances against the government’s handling of the ongoing conflict. Former Israeli prime minister and protest leader, Ehud Barak, addressed the demonstrators alongside families of hostages abducted during the recent Hamas-led attack on October 7th.
The protests have merged longstanding demands for the safe return of hostages with calls for early parliamentary elections and the cancellation of the parliament’s recess during the conflict.
