Hundreds of left-wing activists clashed with police outside a Likud Rosh Hashanah event in Petah Tikva, where a veteran photographer was injured, a protester was arrested, and ministers accused opponents of escalating political violence.
Tensions boiled over on Saturday night outside the Likud party’s Rosh Hashanah toast in Petah Tikva, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest the government.
Veteran press photographer Reuven Castro was shoved by a security guard for Minister Miri Regev and then struck by a Border Police officer, leaving him injured on the ground. The incident sparked outrage among media circles. The event commander later apologized, and Israel Police issued a statement wishing Castro a “speedy recovery” while confirming an internal investigation.
Police also reported arresting a woman in her 40s for allegedly assaulting an officer during the protest.
Ministers Face Hostile Crowds
The event was attended by Ministers Miri Regev, May Golan, and Shlomo Karhi, along with Likud MKs Hanoch Milwidsky, Moshe Saada, David Bitan, and Tally Gotliv.
Minister May Golan made a heart gesture toward the protesters but later accused them of crossing red lines. Posting footage from the scene, she wrote:
“I was attacked by demonstrators who cursed me, threw objects, and shouted remarks that included sexual harassment. If right-wing activists behaved this way, it would lead every news broadcast. I won’t be intimidated or apologize for the ideological path of the right.”
Karhi: “We’re Breaching the Wall”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi went further, framing the unrest as part of a broader struggle:
“The radical left, in Israel and worldwide, is becoming more violent because it is losing control over the judicial system and the media. We are breaching the wall and restoring power to the people’s elected representatives.”
Drawing parallels to U.S. politics, Karhi compared the shift to what happened under President Donald Trump:
“They feel the ground shifting beneath them. We will continue to win, break down the walls, and return power to the people — in both the judiciary and the media.”
Escalating Street Politics
The chaotic scenes outside the Likud toast highlight Israel’s deepening polarization: a government determined to consolidate control over institutions, and an opposition that increasingly takes its fight to the streets.
