Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in the northern city of Sakhnin against a wave of violent crime, extortion and perceived police inaction. The protest comes amid a general strike called by local and regional Arab community leaders, with businesses, schools and public services closed in solidarity.
Organizers said demonstrators marched to demand enhanced law enforcement efforts to curb shootings, protection rackets and threats targeting homes and businesses. Estimates of attendance ranged around 50,000 people, and the protest was described as one of the largest in recent years over the issue of violent crime.
The rally occurred as regional municipal authorities and residents called on national police to increase security measures in their communities. The demonstration followed several days of strikes in Sakhnin and other Arab localities in Israel.
