Roadblocks Cutting Off Arab Neighborhoods in the City of Lod

Photos: Abeer Joubran, ACRI

On February 1, 2026, ACRI petitioned the Supreme Court on behalf of four residents of the city of Lod, demanding the removal of concrete roadblocks placed by the police in two of the city's neighborhoods that are home to hundreds of Arab residents. In one neighborhood, the concrete barrier has completely sealed off the area; there is no other way to enter or exit. In the other neighborhood, the alternative road passes through an industrial area that is difficult to access and whose infrastructure is damaged. The blockades cause serious disruptions to daily life, prevent access to emergency services, and violate the human rights of the residents of the neighborhoods, including the right to freedom of movement, dignity, health, life and body integrity, education, and equality. 

The petition argues that this is a continuation of the discriminatory and illegal policy adopted by the police in recent months, of placing concrete barriers at the entrance to Arab settlements or in their neighborhoods. There is no legal basis granting the police the authority to cut off neighborhoods and towns for extended periods of time, and the police evade judicial review by removing the barriers after a petition is filed against them. Once the barriers are removed, the court then states that the petition has become “theoretical,” and therefore there is no need to hold a hearing; the police are then able to continue with this illegality.  

HCJ ... ACRI v. Israel Police 

Attorney: Abeer Joubran 

ACRI's petition, February 1, 2026 (Heb)