Overview
- Israel’s Supreme Court, meeting Saturday on Shabbat, cleared a 600-person protest at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square while keeping a 150-person cap elsewhere.
- The justices told the military’s Home Front Command to propose a larger plan and, after no reply, issued the 600-person allowance themselves.
- Police began breaking up the Habima rally after crowds topped the limit, and officers arrested 10 people after warning the gathering posed a safety risk.
- Religious and political leaders denounced the move, with Shas saying it will file complaints, Chief Rabbi David Yosef calling the act unlawful, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warning it endangers the public.
- The Court said authorities enforced gathering rules unevenly against protests, a dispute that now pits judicial oversight against security guidance and Sabbath norms as sites like the Western Wall remain closed.