Druze Protest Blocks Highway 6 Following Assault on Soldiers in Tel Aviv
Druze protesters blocked Highway 6 near the Elyakim Interchange by burning tires on Sunday, following the alleged assault of Druze soldiers in Tel Aviv over speaking Arabic.
A demonstration by members of the Druze community took place on Sunday evening near the Elyakim Interchange on Highway 6, resulting in tires being burned and both northern and southern lanes blocked to traffic.
The protest was organized following an incident on Saturday night in Tel Aviv, where two Druze soldiers and a military recruit were allegedly attacked while speaking Arabic among themselves. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We have stopped staying silent." A Druze IDF veteran and disabled soldier injured in the war expressed his outrage, stating, "Abroad I do not hide that I am Israeli, why in the country do I need to hide that I am Druze?"
Police forces from the Northern District and the Traffic Department deployed to the scene to manage traffic flow, maintain public order, and work toward reopening the highway.
Police officials stated that authorities will protect freedom of speech and the right to protest within the bounds of the law, but warned that they will not tolerate actions that compromise public safety or lead to public disorder.
