Violent Police Dispersal of Haredi Protest Sparks Political Outcry

A harsh police dispersal of a Haredi protest on Highway 4 near Bnei Brak on Tuesday morning has triggered accusations of selective enforcement and excessive force from ultra-Orthodox politicians. The demonstration was led by the Jerusalem Faction and blocked a major traffic artery, after which police moved in and the road was later reopened in both directions.

Emergency responders from United Hatzalah treated eight injured people who suffered bruises, bleeding, and other injuries linked to crowd-control measures. Images from the scene drew sharp condemnation in the Haredi political camp, which says the police acted far more aggressively than they did during the Kaplan Street protests.

Shas leader Aryeh Deri attacked National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, saying, "It is impossible that what the police did not do in Kaplan against anarchists who wanted to destroy the state, they are now doing against citizens crying out over being turned into criminals for studying Torah." He urged Ben Gvir to intervene immediately, adding, "You proved that when it matters to you, you know how to use the police. Get up now and stop the violence."

MK Meir Porush sent an urgent letter to National Security Committee chair MK Tzvika Fogel demanding the committee be convened at once. Porush said the police have for years shown "endless patience" toward left-wing protesters who blocked roads, but not toward Haredim, and accused officers of throwing stun grenades directly at seated protesters, beating people with batons, and dragging them aggressively. MK Yinon Azulai also condemned the officers, saying, "They strip protesters, drag them, and kick a man lying on the ground."