Chaos erupts as hundreds of Israelis rally over police chief's resignation
Thousands of Israelis came together in a mass protest as the country grapples with anti-government sentiment over proposed judicial reforms. (Video: Yonat Friling/Fox News)
Thousands of Israelis came together in a mass protest Wednesday evening as the country grapples with anti-government sentiment over proposed judicial reforms.
Hundreds of protesters blocked Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv in response to the resignation of District Commander Amichai Eshed Wednesday night. Eshed, who was reportedly removed over his handling of anti-government demonstrations, resigned after being demoted Wednesday.
Pictures from Tel Aviv show Israelis lighting fires, waving flags and crowding streets Wednesday night. At least two cars were seen driving through the protests, and protesters reportedly incurred minor injuries.
Tel Aviv protesters were also seen clashing with police, including some who were later arrested. Video shows demonstrators yelling at police and being pushed around during confrontations.
ISRAELI FORCES REVEAL WEAPONS CACHES HIDDEN UNDER PALESTINIAN MOSQUE AFTER RAID
Pictures from Tel Aviv show Israelis lighting fires, waving flags and crowding streets during the protests. (Trey Yingst/Fox News)
Eshed was criticized by government authorities for being too soft on anti-government protests and not using greater force in curbing them. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is accused of targeting Eshed.
"With my head held high, I am paying an intolerably heavy personal price for my choice to avert a civil war," Eshed said, according to Haaretz. "I intend to end my service in the police after an orderly handover to my replacement."
At least two protesters were injured by a car during Tel Aviv's protests Wednesday. (Trey Yingst/Fox News)
The protests came after weeks of demonstrations against proposed Israeli judicial reforms. On Monday, thousands of protesters blocked traffic at Ben Gurion Airport over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's sweeping judicial overhaul.
Netanyahu's proposed plans would remove the "reasonability standard," giving the government more power in judicial matters. Critics fear the plans would destroy the Israeli system of checks and balances.
The protests came after weeks of demonstrations against proposed judicial reforms. (Trey Yingst/Fox News)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
This is a breaking news situation. Check back with us for updates.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.