Supreme Court Questions Police Policy on Concrete Barriers in Arab Towns

Israel's High Court of Justice has issued an order nisi against the police's policy of placing concrete barriers in Arab towns and neighborhoods for extended periods. The court demanded the police justify why they should not be prevented from deploying these rigid, unmanned barriers without explicit legislative authorization. A response is due by early October.

The ruling comes as the practice continues on the ground. In Ba'al al-Gharb, concrete barriers have been in place since November 2025, blocking direct access to a main road and forcing residents to take long detours. In Jisr az-Zarqa, a barrier erected in May 2026 to combat crime has reportedly failed to achieve its objective, with crime and shooting incidents increasing in the area during its presence. The local council head stated the barrier has also caused significant infrastructure damage.

The court's order follows the police's submission of legal opinions in early August, asserting their authority to use such barriers based on general police regulations. The Association for Civil Rights, which filed the petition, argued that these general powers do not permit prolonged blockades of entire neighborhoods or town entrances, and that such severe infringements on constitutional rights require explicit legal backing and clear operational guidelines.

The petition was initially filed in February by four Lod residents and the Association for Civil Rights, prompted by barriers placed in Lod neighborhoods. Although the Lod barriers were later removed, the Association pursued the case due to its fundamental nature and the ongoing use of the practice in other Arab communities, including Tarabin, Jisr az-Zarqa, Lod, Salem, Ba'al al-Gharb, and Shaghur.

Lawyers for the Association stated that the court's order is a significant step towards establishing clear limits on police power. They emphasized that while combating crime in Arab society is crucial, it cannot justify mass infringements on residents' rights, including freedom of movement, dignity, equality, and access to essential services like healthcare and emergency response. They also expressed concern that the police continue to use these barriers while their legality is under judicial review.