Hundreds Riot in Jerusalem's Bar Ilan Street Against Light Rail Construction

On Thursday evening, hundreds of extremists rioted on Bar Ilan Street in Jerusalem, protesting against light rail construction works. The demonstrators blocked the intersection for over an hour and caused significant damage to equipment and the construction site along the route. During the unrest, protesters uprooted iron fences installed around the light rail work area and damaged infrastructure. They also set fire to trash bins and cardboard collection facilities.

Large police forces from the Lev HaBira station, riot police (Yasam), and border police (Magav) were deployed to disperse the crowd. The police used riot control measures, stun grenades, and a water cannon at the scene. In one incident, a light rail security guard was filmed spraying a fire extinguisher at protesters. Authorities reported that rioters threw objects, set fires, intermittently blocked traffic, and caused damage at the construction site.

A police officer declared the gathering an illegal assembly and ordered the protesters to clear the area. When they did not comply, police used force and dispersal means to restore public order. Subsequently, two suspects were arrested: one on suspicion of arson and another identified as throwing stones at police and border police officers. Both were taken for questioning at the police station.