Approximately 150 Chareidi protesters gathered at the Meron Junction on Shabbos in an effort to prevent public buses from operating before the conclusion of Shabbos.

The protests began several weeks ago in Tzfas and have since spread to Meron, with demonstrators seeking to stop public transportation departing Tzfas while Shabbos is still underway.

Opposing the Chareidi protesters were approximately 70 activists from the “Derech Chofshit” organization and other Galilee residents, who attempted to prevent the demonstrators from blocking traffic.

Clashes broke out between the two groups at the junction, prompting police forces to deploy to the scene.

The demonstrations follow similar protests last month, when dozens of Chareidim blocked the main road near Tzfas’ central bus station and shouted “Shabbos” at motorists as police attempted to clear the roadway.

Those demonstrations came amid growing tensions over public transportation operating in the area on Shabbos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)