Galilee Council Directive Restricting Movement on Simchat Torah Sparks Outrage
Tension erupted in the Galilee after the Misgav Regional Council advised Jewish residents to stay home during Simchat Torah due to nearby protests, drawing sharp criticism from locals and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Tension in the Galilee Over Misgav Council Movement Restrictions
A directive issued to residents of the Misgav Regional Council sparked widespread outrage on Saturday. Residents were instructed to avoid traveling and remain in their homes for six hours, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, due to planned protests in Sakhnin, Arraba, and Deir Hanna. The restricted hours coincided with Simchat Torah celebrations and holiday gatherings in nearby Jewish communities.
The announcement triggered immediate anger among residents, who argued that the restriction effectively forced Jewish locals to shelter at home while protests took place in neighboring towns. Maayan Tal Mor, a resident of Gilon, published a protest video criticizing the reality imposed on the area's residents.
"This means they are allowed to go out and protest, while we must stay home on Simchat Torah just because Arabs are demonstrating," Tal Mor said.
Political Reactions and Allegations of Lost Governance
The controversy quickly drew political responses from national figures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich strongly condemned the council's directive, linking it to broader concerns regarding state sovereignty and governance in the Galilee.
"The directive issued by the council tells the story of the loss of sovereignty and governance in the Galilee that must end immediately," Smotrich stated.
Smotrich added that the situation where Jewish residents are forced to stay indoors during a holiday is intolerable, vowing to replicate governance policies from Judea and Samaria into the Galilee and the Negev.
