Haredi protesters attempt to block bus near Meron over Shabbat operations

Haredi protesters attempted to block a public bus at Meron Junction on Saturday, seeking to prevent its operation before the end of Shabbat. The weekly protest, which began in Safed, has now spread to Meron, with demonstrators aiming to halt traffic.

A group of about 70 Galilee residents, affiliated with the Derech Hofshit movement, gathered to counter the protesters and prevent them from blocking the road. Police forces were also present at the junction.

Last month, similar protests saw dozens of haredi protesters block traffic near Safed's central bus station, shouting "Shabbos" at drivers. Police dispersed those demonstrations.

The roadblock occurred hours after a different form of protest in Jerusalem, where a woman glued shut the entrance to Basimta Cafe, delaying its opening by 40 minutes. Basimta Cafe has been a weekly target for haredi protesters due to its operation on Shabbat. Security footage captured the woman applying glue to the cafe's door before fleeing.