Police remove six-ton statue of protester installed near PM's residence

• Author: TOBIAS SIEGAL
• Published date: 06 December 2020
• Date: 06 December 2020
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Located near the prime minister's official residence, Paris Square has in recent months become a focal point for demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protesters have also given the site their own name: Democracy Square.

The bronze statue, which is five meters tall and weighs six tons, was put in place late on Friday. It was named "Israeli Hero," referring to a military decoration for valor, and depicts a male protester wearing a mask and holding a long pole with an Israeli flag as he kneels to avoid being hit by a gushing burst from a water cannon that police sometimes use to disperse uncooperative protesters.

The artist, Itay Zalait, chained himself to his work and was also removed by police when they dismantled the statue. He was detained for questioning but released shortly afterwards.

"I created the statue as a tribute to protesters who are Israel's heroes at this time," Zalait told the Megafon-news website. "The protester is an Israeli hero actively participating in protecting Israel as a democratic state."

Police noted that the statue was installed without a permit and that it endangered bystanders.

The Crime Minister movement released a statement condemning the police for removing the statue and calling on people to gather on Balfour...