Israeli justice minister says government should ignore high court ruling on wartime protests

The Israeli government minister responsible for overseeing the justice system is dismissing a ruling of the nation’s highest court that would allow larger protests during wartime.

The high court issued an interim ruling on Saturday that allows for up to 600 citizens to gather for anti-war protests in Tel Aviv, a massive increase from the 50-person limit imposed by Home Front Command due to the risk of Iranian attacks.

The court found that the government’s limit was inconsistently enforced, with shopping malls and other public areas largely unaffected by the war restrictions.

People raise their hands during a protest calling for an end to the war in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Maya Levin)

The court’s interim decision also allows up to 150 individuals to gather for anti-war protests in the cities of Jerusalem, Haifa, and Kfar Saba.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin said on Sunday that the Cabinet has