ANI
10 Feb 2026, 16:30 GMT+10
Tel Aviv [Israel], February 10 (ANI/TPS): Israeli Arabs and Jews launched a series of nationwide protests on Tuesday demanding urgent government action to stem a deadly wave of violence in the country's Arab communities.
The protests, organized by families of murder victims together with the Jewish-Arab movement Standing Together, disrupted traffic and public spaces from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Haifa and in the south, underscoring growing frustration over what participants describe as a persistent lack of personal security.
Demonstrations kicked off in Jaffa's Clock Square, with more protests planned in Jerusalem, Beer-Sheva, Lod, Tamra, and Jisr a-Zarqa. The day is scheduled to conclude with a large evening rally in Haifa.
As part of what organizers called a 'National Day of Disruption,' protesters also staged brief walkouts at workplaces.
Jamal Zahalka, a former lawmaker and chairman of The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee, said the disruptions reflect everyday reality for many Arab citizens. 'Today we had a day of disruptions on the roads because our lives are completely disrupted,' he said. 'Arab citizens suffer from a total lack of security.' Zahalka called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee is an umbrella organization of Israeli Arab municipal leaders.
In Tel Aviv, families of the murder victims and other activists briefly blocked southbound lanes of the Ayalon Highway, the city's main traffic artery, halting traffic for about half an hour before the road was reopened. In a separate protest near Allenby Street, close to the beachfront, a woman in her 60s was detained after allegedly pouring red paint into a public fountain.
Similar scenes unfolded in Haifa, where demonstrators gathered near city hall. Police said several protesters were detained for pouring red dye into a fountain in a nearby public garden. In Jerusalem, police moved in after protesters blocked the main road at the city's entrance.
Police made seven arrests overall.
The demonstrations are part of an escalating campaign against violent crime that has disproportionately affected Arab citizens of Israel, who make up about one-fifth of the population. Since the beginning of the year, 38 people have been killed in incidents linked to criminal violence in Arab towns and neighborhoods, according to protest organizers. Many blame the government for failing to address illegal weapons, organized crime networks, and longstanding neglect of Arab communities.
The surging violence is a continuation of a record number of 252 Israeli-Arab homicides in 2025. The numbers are attributed to organized crime groups fighting turf battles and attempting to eliminate rivals. Arab criminal organizations have been involved in extortion, money laundering, and trafficking in weapons, drugs, and women. (ANI/TPS)
Get a daily dose of Chile Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Chile Sun.
More InformationAhmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 21 (ANI): Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the world's fastest-growing integrated...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East), P Kumaran, said on Saturday that Brazil underlined...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that the visit...
(260221) -- CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Feb. 21, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Rescue workers and athletes of Austria carry injured athlete Jakob Mandlbauer...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva...
*Chinese tourists traveling abroad during the Lunar New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, are finding Chinese traditions alive...
Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], February 21 (ANI): In a strong and decisive strike against terror operatives and their support...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): The government said on Saturday that it is studying the implications of the US Supreme Court...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, celebrated on Saturday, Vice President...
Washington DC [US], February 21 (ANI): US President Donald Trump praised First Lady Melania Trump's documentary 'Melania' for its box...
Colombo [Sri Lanka], February 21 (ANI): Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first against the Mitchell Santner-led...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): All Jaat Mahasangh, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj (BKS) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Saturday...
