LGBT parade in Jerusalem
LGBT parade in JerusalemHezki Baruch

Hundreds of activists are taking part in the Pride parades in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv tonight with a large police contingency on the ground.

Following cancelation of the traditional rallies in Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and Be'er Sheva due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, smaller-scale, socially distanced gatherings were organized instead by local LGBT communities under the logo, "The Revolution Hasn't Been Completed."

Twenty-seven right-wing activists, including activists from the Lehava anti-assimilation group, were detained during the past hour on their way to the Jerusalem rally.

More than 1,200 police officers and Border Patrol troops have spread around the perimeter of Independence Park in the national's capital.

Observation posts where security personnel are stationed to ensure the wellbeing of event participants have been erected in the vicinity of the parades.

Earlier in the day, Lehava activist Moshiko ben Zikri, who had been arrested on suspicion of planning to disturbing the peace at the Jerusalem event, was released without bail conditions. The court ruled that, "No concrete evidence had been established to believe [Ben-Zirki] was planning to commit a crime." For his part, the activist told Kan News he was on his way to a family event when "they decided they were mind-readers."

Among the Lehava activists arrested early on Sunday morning was Moshe Ben Zikri, who also was detained before last year’s Pride parade and who for the prior two years dressed up as an LGBT activist and infiltrated the parade only to start haranguing attendees from the podium.

“Unfortunately, the Jerusalem Police have not grasped the principles of freedom of expression. We will ask the court to release Ben Zikri unconditionally,” Ben Zikri’s attorney, right-wing activist Itamar Ben Gvir, said in a statement.

In all, 27 right-wing activists were detained ahead of the Jerusalem rally.