Clashes in Safed: Secular residents confront Haredi protesters blocking the road on Saturday | Watch

About 150 Haredi protesters are trying to prevent a public bus from passing at the Meron junction, facing about 70 activists from 'Derech Chofshit'. Police arrived at the scene. The protest began weeks ago in Safed and spread to Meron. Last month, Haredim blocked the main road near the central station in Safed, shouting 'Shabbos' at drivers. The general public's response was weak: only about ten car owners drove in a protest convoy.

At the Meron junction, clashes are taking place between about 150 Haredi protesters trying to prevent a public bus from passing, and about 70 activists from 'Derech Chofshit' from the Galilee. Police forces arrived at the scene. The protest began several weeks ago in Safed and spread to Meron. The protesters are trying to prevent public transportation lines from leaving Safed before the end of Shabbat. Last month, dozens of Haredim blocked the main road near the central station in Safed, disrupting traffic and shouting 'Shabbos' at drivers. The general public's response was weak: only about ten car owners drove in a protest convoy in the market square. The clashes reflect ongoing tension between the Haredi sector and secular residents in Safed and the Galilee over public transportation activity on Shabbat.