"During the hakafot, we need to stay home": The storm over the directive for Galilee residents

The Misgav Regional Council issued a directive for residents to avoid traveling and stay home for six hours due to planned protests in the nearby Arab villages of Sakhnin, Arraba, and Deir Hanna. The directive coincided with Simchat Torah and hakafot events, sparking anger among Jewish residents who said they were required to lock themselves in on the holiday. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the directive, linking it to a loss of sovereignty and governance in the Galilee.

The Misgav Regional Council issued a directive for residents to avoid traveling and stay home for six hours, between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, due to planned protests and demonstrations in the Arab villages of Sakhnin, Arraba, and Deir Hanna. The directive coincided with Simchat Torah and hakafot events in Jewish communities in the area, sparking anger among residents. Gilon resident Maayan Tal Mor posted a protest video saying, "On Simchat Torah, specifically during the hours of the hakafot, we were told not to leave our homes because the Arabs are protesting." She said the feeling is that Jewish residents are repeatedly required to downplay their presence to avoid friction. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the directive, linking it to a loss of sovereignty and governance in the Galilee, saying, "The situation where Jewish residents are required to lock themselves in their homes on a holiday is intolerable." The incident illustrates the tension in which area residents live: on one hand, the desire to prevent friction and prepare for protests, and on the other, anger at a situation where during holiday hours, Jewish residents are asked to limit their movement.