Public Security Minister Amir Ohana warned on Sunday that the growing incitement expressed in the anti-government protests "could lead to bloodshed."
"I'm worried about the hatred in the air. Blocking roads is now in vogue and they are part of the violent atmosphere we have been seeing," he said.
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"Anti-government protests are nothing new," he continued. "But we have to limit things – we're limiting cultural events, prayer services and other routing things – to fight the spread of the coronavirus."
Ohana's remarks came against the backdrop of demonstrations that have been taking place over the past few weeks and which have been gaining momentum, especially among Israeli youth.
Video: Yoni Rikner
Thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturday, joined by several hundred in Caesarea, to demonstrate against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the way his government has been handling the coronavirus crisis.
The protests were sparked by what critics see as a government failure to handle the resurgence of the pandemic after initially keeping the threat of the virus at bay. Corruption charges against Netanyahu have further fueled the demonstrations.
Some 6,000 people participated in the demonstration outside the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem, waving posters reading "Crime Minister" and "Bibi go home!" Around 2,000 people gathered at Charles Clore Park in Tel Aviv, shouting similar slogans. Some 150 protesters gathered outside Netanyahu's private home in Caesarea, demanding he steps down.
Joint Arab List MK Ofer Cassif addressed protesters in Jerusalem, saying, "The coronavirus isn't as dangerous as Bibi's tyranny, and both seem to be thriving. I have only one thing to say to Netayahu and his soldiers in the Jerusalem Police: your water cannons don't scare us, and arresting us won't break our spirit."
At around midnight, protesters in Jerusalem began clashing with police officers at the rally. Twelve people were arrested for rioting.
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