North faces haredi protest over Shabbat buses, anti-government protests to continue into night

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a road near Meron on Saturday over buses running before Shabbat ended, marking the sixth consecutive week of such demonstrations. Police dispersed the protest, with secular counterprotesters also present. Separate anti-government protests are planned for Saturday night across northern Israel, including at Guma Junction, Kibbutz Eilon, Afula, Kabri, Nahariya, Tzemach, Rosh Pina, and Karmiel.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a road near Meron on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to protest buses operating before the end of Shabbat, according to N12 News. Footage showed civilians dragging protesters away and escorting a bus through. Walla reported this was the sixth consecutive week of such blockades. Police dispersed the protest, and secular counterprotesters arrived. Separately, Maariv reported anti-government protests planned for Saturday night across northern Israel, including at Guma Junction, Kibbutz Eilon, Afula, Kabri, Nahariya, Tzemach, Rosh Pina, and Karmiel, with more expected nationwide.