ACRI Slams Updated Police Protocol on Mounted Units at Protests

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) submitted its official response to the High Court of Justice regarding the updated police protocol on the use of mounted units for dispersing demonstrations. While the updated protocol introduces minor changes, ACRI contends that the regulations remain largely cosmetic and fail to adequately protect protesters.

Key Changes and Continuing Concerns

The revised police guidelines explicitly require officers to ensure demonstrators have a safe path to leave, restrict mounted units from riding on sidewalks unless authorized by a commander for operational needs, and establish a reporting mechanism for injuries. However, ACRI points out that critical issues highlighted by the High Court remain unaddressed.

The amendments made by the police to the protocol are mostly cosmetic and do not address the dangers of using mounted units to disperse demonstrations, said Adv. Nitzan Ilani.

The protocol continues to permit mounted officers to operate alongside stun grenades, provided a six-meter distance is maintained, and allows the use of batons and reins. Furthermore, the guidelines still rely heavily on broad definitions of "operational necessity" and broad commander discretion rather than setting strict, objective limits.

Call for Judicial Intervention

ACRI originally petitioned the High Court in August 2025, demanding a complete ban on using horses for crowd control or, alternatively, strict safety limitations following documented incidents of protesters being trampled, struck, and chased onto sidewalks. In its latest filing, ACRI has asked the High Court to issue an order Nisi and schedule an urgent hearing on the matter.