Police are still preparing for a planned vehicle protest set for Wednesday, and one of the main issues under review is whether convoys will be allowed to reach Kfar Yona and the Prison 10 compound. According to people familiar with the matter, police currently want the convoys kept out of both the city and the prison site, allowing them only on nearby roads.
The position comes amid opposition from local residents and after Kfar Yona Mayor Albert Taieb told Kikar HaShabbat that he intends to lead a “human wall” to stop protesters from entering the city. A senior police official said, “As we have seen in the past in convoys protesting for the judicial reform and in protests for the hostages, police allow protest but impose restrictions as needed. There have been cases where fines were issued, and cases where protesters were required to drive in one lane only and not block all traffic lanes.”
The same official added, “No final decision has yet been made regarding the vehicle protest, and all options are on the table.” The head of police traffic operations also said nothing has been finalized, and that another meeting is expected in the afternoon to decide the protest plan.
Meanwhile, police are already preparing for major traffic disruptions on main routes and in regional police districts. Prison 10 falls under the Central District’s responsibility, and officers there are preparing for several possible scenarios. Police said they must also plan for worst-case developments, even though organizers say they do not intend to break into the prison. At the same time, police say they support the residents’ position in Kfar Yona and fear clashes and public disorder, which is why the request to limit the convoys is under review. The final decision is expected later Wednesday, as preparations continue for one of the largest vehicle protests planned in recent weeks.
