Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Public Transport Before Sabbath in Safed for Sixth Week

For the sixth consecutive week, ultra-Orthodox groups protested against the operation of public transportation before the start of the Sabbath in Safed and at the Meron junction on August 8, 2026. The demonstrators attempted to prevent buses from running and succeeded in briefly delaying them. Police forces arrived at both locations to prevent the buses from being stopped. Additionally, secular residents came to counter the ultra-Orthodox protests and tried to stop the bus delays.

About a month ago, approximately 300 ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked traffic on the main road near the central bus station in Safed. They disrupted vehicle movement and shouted "Shabbos" slogans at drivers, while police worked to maintain free traffic flow. The conflict over the character of this city of Kabbalists is intensifying, escalating into a heated and increasingly hostile confrontation.