• Anti-government activist groups have called for protests across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on March 18-19. 

March 18 

• A protest is scheduled to be held at Tel Aviv’s HaBima Square at 19:30 (local time) to demonstrate against the Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to dismiss the Chief of Shin Bet.

March 19: 

• Several activist groups have called for protests during the morning hours in Jerusalem.  
• A protest march will commence at 08:00 from the Motza neighborhood to the government complex, where demonstrators will stay until the Knesset’s session on the Shin Bet chief’s dismissal has concluded.
• A second demonstration is planned from the government complex to the Prime Minister’s Residence on Azza Street, though its exact starting time remains unspecified as of the time of writing. 
• Protesters will gather to denounce the PM’s proposal and are also expected to demand an investigation into Netanyahu’s office over alleged collusion with Qatar. 

1. On March 16, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced his intention to propose the dismissal of the Shin Bet Chief, citing a “continued lack of trust.” This decision comes amid an ongoing Shin Bet investigation into alleged collusion with Qatar within the Prime Minister’s Office. Netanyahu’s move is likely perceived by anti-government activists as an attempt to undermine the investigation. Additionally, growing frustrations among activists regarding the government’s prioritization of political matters over urgent issues—such as securing the release of hostages still held by Hamas—have likely contributed to the latest call for protests. 
2. FORECAST: Given the elevated anti-government sentiment, the slated protests on March 18-19 are expected to attract a turn-out in the low hundreds at least. Demonstrators are expected to engage in anti-government and anti-Netanyahu sloganeering. Security presence is likely to be bolstered around the protest venues due to their proximity to government and commercial centers. While the protests are expected to be peaceful, scuffles between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out, especially if protesters are perceived to be engaging in unruly behavior. Traffic disruptions can be expected during the protests.  
3. FORECAST:  Additional spontaneous demonstrations also cannot be ruled out over March 18-19 due to the politically charged environment. Such protests may also emerge in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities if the government reschedules its March 19 meeting. 

Those operating or residing in Israel on March 18-19 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and allot for disruptions near the protest vicinities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem due to the slated protests and associated risk of unrest.