Israel Police Expand Use of Trucks for Roadblocks and Protester Containment
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The Israel Police are increasing their use of trucks for "roadblock operations," including encircling protesters, according to internal documents. The police are seeking suppliers capable of providing at least 70 trucks for this purpose. Spending on trucks for road blocking was 10 million shekels in 2023, dropping to 6 million in 2024, while costs for transport trucks were significantly lower. Specific requirements are detailed for different truck types used in these operations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel Police are expanding their use of trucks for road blocking and surrounding protesters.
- The police are seeking suppliers to provide at least 70 trucks simultaneously for these operations.
- Spending on trucks for road blocking reached 10 million shekels in 2023, decreasing in subsequent years.
- Costs for trucks used for transport and labor were substantially lower than those for road blocking.
- Detailed specifications are provided for the types of trucks required for road blocking and lifting.
The Israel Police are preparing to acquire trucks specifically designated for "roadblock operations," according to police documents. The police are requesting that suppliers be capable of providing at least 70 trucks simultaneously for this purpose, either directly or through subcontractors. These trucks have been used to encircle protesters and block access routes to demonstration sites, as previously reported. The documents, which also cover needs for the Fire and Rescue Authority and the Prison Service, list road blocking as the primary use, alongside transport, crane, and labor services.
The police have detailed the financial scope of their truck rentals. In 2023, the year marked by widespread protests against the judicial overhaul, the cost for truck services related to road blocking reached 10 million shekels. This figure decreased to 6 million shekels in 2024 and was projected at 3 million shekels for 2025. In contrast, trucks rented for labor and transport services cost significantly less: 550,000 shekels in 2023, 700,000 shekels in 2024, and 1 million shekels in 2025.
Specifications for the trucks are also outlined. The most frequently used type for road blocking is specified as a closed truck up to 15 tons, with a cargo box at least seven meters long. Crane trucks for lifting loads are to weigh 30 tons and have a storage length of at least seven meters.
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