Twenty-one demonstrators were taken into custody by Israeli authorities Saturday evening as anti-war rallies opposing the Iran conflict spread across several major cities, despite existing limitations on public assemblies.
The demonstrations unfolded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba, drawing hundreds of participants to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem while approximately 100 gathered in Haifa. This represented the highest attendance figures since the weekly protest movement commenced. Law enforcement officials reported that 13 arrests occurred in Tel Aviv while eight took place in Haifa.
Authorities explained that the gatherings lacked official authorization due to Home Front Command restrictions prohibiting assemblies exceeding 50 individuals. Officials indicated that attendance surged following appeals from government opposition organizations urging people to demonstrate regardless of the limitations.
“During a situation assessment that took place at the scene with a Home Front Command representative … it was clarified that there was a real risk to human life and accordingly, Yarkon [precinct] police commander Tzachi Sharabi ordered the gathering to be dispersed,” police said.
Ayman Odeh, chairman of Hadash-Ta’al and an Arab parliamentary member participating in the demonstrations, condemned the law enforcement response. He labeled officers as fascists “in the service of the government” and stated they feared “the heroic citizens who went out, despite everything, to make their voice heard.”
These protests occur amid findings from a March 2026 Israel Democracy Institute poll revealing widespread yet divided backing among Jewish Israelis for Operation Roaring Lion. Right-wing respondents showed the highest approval at 87 percent, while left-wing support reached approximately 50 percent.
The polling data also indicated that both Jewish and Arab participants largely concurred that Iran’s resistance capabilities exceeded initial expectations. Most Jewish survey participants believed Israeli society could maintain the military campaign for up to 30 days, though 28 percent expressed confidence it could continue indefinitely. Arab respondents showed greater pessimism regarding public endurance for prolonged conflict.
A majority of Jewish poll participants characterized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision as motivated by security concerns, whereas most Arab respondents interpreted it as politically driven.
