Rights10/22/2026

Of 2,846 Arrests of Protesters, Only Two Cases Ended in Conviction

Since 2023, 2,846 arrests of protest participants have been documented in Israel, but indictments were filed in only 94 cases—about 3.3%. According to data from the detainee assistance network, as of the date of publication, only two cases had ended in conviction.

Key facts

•2,846 arrests of protesters since 2023
•94 indictments—about 3.3%
•Two convictions and seven acquittals
•About 40 cases were closed or ended in a conditional arrangement
•47 cases of house arrest
•A proposal to repeal Section 82 and Sections 83–90 of the Police Ordinance

What the Statistical Data Showed

The number of arrests declined: from 1,122 in 2023 to 956 in 2024 and 572 in 2025; since the beginning of 2026, another 196 have been documented. About 1,100 arrests occurred at protests against the judicial reform and during the first year of the war. Among other things, many arrests took place at demonstrations calling for the release of the hostages in Gaza.

Grounds for Arrest

The grounds for suspicion were specified in only 1,416 of the 2,846 records. Of the documented cases, 672 involved unlawful assembly, rioting, or disturbing the public order; 202—involved obstructing a police officer; 109—blocking a road; and 121—suspected assault of a police officer. The database’s authors describe many of these offenses as broadly worded “catch-all” offenses.

How the Cases Ended

Of the 94 cases in which indictments were filed, two ended in conviction and seven—in acquittal. About 40 cases were closed or ended in a conditional arrangement, while the rest are still proceeding at various stages. The information was provided by the “Ma’arach Otef Atzurim” network; the source contains no judicial ruling regarding the arrests as a whole.

Restrictions After Release

The database listed 47 cases of house arrest. In 2,086 records that included a description of the release conditions, there were about 890 references to exclusion from the protest site and about 613 references to bail or a financial deposit. The “Zulat” Institute believes such measures should be used only when necessary and in a proportionate manner.

What Changes Are Proposed

“Zulat” Director General Einat Ovadia and attorney Tal Hillel contacted the leaders of six parties, calling on them to enshrine the protection of freedom of protest in their platforms and in future coalition agreements. The proposals include repealing Section 82 of the Police Ordinance, replacing the licensing regime under Sections 83–90 with prior notice, restricting the use of municipal powers against demonstrations, and exempting noise during protests from the scope of the Abatement of Nuisances Law.

What this means for you

An arrest at a demonstration does not in itself mean that a person will be indicted or convicted by a court. However, restrictions after release—house arrest, exclusion from the protest site, bail, or a financial deposit—may in practice make it more difficult to continue participating in demonstrations. “Zulat’s” proposals are currently initiatives, not enacted legislative amendments.

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