US police use force against protesters at event featuring former Israeli defense minister

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Police in the US state of New Jersey on Tuesday used force against pro-Palestinian protesters who demonstrated against a program featuring former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In the town of Livingston, demonstrators gathered outside a synagogue where Gallant was scheduled to speak.

Carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs, the protesters gathered in front of the venue, chanting slogans blaming Gallant for civilian deaths in Gaza.

Demonstrators held signs reading “Protect children, arrest Gallant” and “Gallant is guilty of genocide” while shouting “Free Palestine.”

When protesters blocked access to the synagogue, police intervened to disperse the crowd.

Officers forced some demonstrators to the ground and detained several individuals.

Gallant served as Israel's defense minister between 2022 and 2024.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant in November 2024 over atrocities in Gaza, where over 69,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.