Residents Block Road with Trash Bins in Rehovot, Municipality Increases Patrols

In Rehovot, a controversy arose after trash bins were placed as barriers on Nordau Street during the Sabbath, blocking vehicle traffic without any official decision to close the road. The incident was first reported by a local resident and then brought to the attention of the city administration by opposition council chairman Attorney Yaniv Markovitz. Markovitz criticized the unauthorized blockade, stating it inconvenienced residents and posed safety risks. Although municipal patrols removed the barriers after reports, they were quickly replaced, prompting Markovitz to demand identification and action against those responsible to prevent recurrence.

The Rehovot municipality stated there was no official order to close the street and condemned the blockades, suggesting the act was likely a prank by children. They emphasized that patrol units were dispatched whenever blockages were reported to reopen the road. The city stressed the importance of maintaining shared public spaces and freedom of movement for all residents.

Mayor Matan Dil instructed increased patrols in cooperation with the Israel Police to identify those involved and prevent further Sabbath roadblocks. The municipality reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the status quo and communal coexistence in the city.