Ultra-Orthodox Protester Arrested After Assaulting Female Officer on Route 4

A protester from the Jerusalem Faction was filmed during Wednesday’s demonstration on Route 4 grabbing a female police officer and violently shoving her. Police said the officer and a detective were trying to move a disorderly protester who had blocked the road with his body, when another man came from behind and attacked the detective with what they described as “wild violence.” According to police, he pulled the officer forcefully, causing direct injury and wounds during the struggle.

The attacker tried to flee, but another officer arrested him within seconds. The injured officer was taken for medical treatment. The suspect, a 26-year-old resident of Bnei Brak, was questioned, and on Thursday the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court extended his detention.

The footage came as police leadership was already under scrutiny over violence at protests. On Wednesday, Tel Aviv District Commander, Maj. Gen. Haim Sargarof, ordered the immediate suspension from operational duty of a police officer filmed kicking a Jerusalem Faction protester, pending a review of the incident.

That decision followed a fresh review of police conduct at friction points and mass demonstrations. Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Danny Levy also said that if video review of the protest at the Bnei Brak Junction shows commanders and officers acted contrary to procedure, “we will not be afraid to deal with it severely and suspend [them] from operational activity.” He added that senior commanders were present at the protest and said, “My expectation from them is to control the event.”