On Saturday thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, and other parts of the country to protest the government's policies. The Black Flag movement, meanwhile, enlisted thousands of others – under the banner of "Bibi Go Home" – to demonstrate at 300 junctions and bridges across Israel to express their discontent with the prime minister.
Police in Jerusalem allowed the protesters outside the Prime Minister's Residence to hold a march and announced the closure of several nearby streets. Paris Square was sealed off and hundreds of policemen deployed throughout the city.
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The question is how much more violence we will see? A new poll conducted by Israel Hayom and the Maagar Mochot Institute, whereby 52% of respondents characterized protesters' behavior as "violent" or "very violent," should send a clear message that the public abhors such tactics.
The fact that only 27% of respondents say the demonstrations are balanced should set off alarm bells within the protest camp. It goes without saying that Netanyahu's detractors have the right to gather in protest and express their desire to see him step down, and it is the right of hundreds of thousands of unemployed Israelis to voice their anger and distress. Civil protests are legitimate, but Netanyahu's supporters also spoke loudly and clearly during the past three elections, which is no less legitimate. In any case, protests cannot be violent, incite, or threaten murder.
Senior police commanders must also take heed because 44% of respondents said police were reacting too violently to the protesters. Both uniformed and plain-clothed policemen must be ordered to exhibit utmost restraint and patience toward the protesters. Police officers should never hastily apply force against protesters, which is only acceptable in extreme circumstances.
If these protests continue to devolve into violence, the country could slip into a perilous abyss of civil war. Therefore, all the relevant parties must act responsibly and understand that sometimes all it takes is one match to ignite a conflagration we will all regret but could be too late to stop.
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