A violent demonstration broke out overnight in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood, where ultra-Orthodox protesters were demonstrating against the arrest of draft dodgers and their transfer to military prison. Police said the unrest centered around Kikar HaShabbat, where demonstrators blocked intersections and set fires.
According to the Jerusalem District Police, Border Police officers and riot police were deployed to restore order after, in their words, “violent rioters” began blocking roads and trying to damage vehicles and disturb public order. After a police officer declared the area an unlawful disturbance and ordered participants to disperse, police said the protesters refused and continued throwing objects at officers while keeping the route blocked.
Police then moved to clear the area using force and crowd-control measures, including a water cannon and stun grenades, in an effort to free trapped cars, reopen the road to traffic, and restore public order. Two protesters were arrested during the operation.
The police said they respect freedom of expression and protest within the law, but argued that this incident was not legitimate protest. Instead, they described it as a severe violation of public order, a blockage of major traffic arteries, and direct harm to the daily lives of Jerusalem residents and the wider public. Police added that they will continue to act firmly and with zero tolerance against violence, vandalism, and lawbreaking.
