Jerusalem Police Take Control of Bar Ilan Light Rail Worksite After Riots

Large Jerusalem police forces and Border Police troops raided the light rail construction site on Bar Ilan Street after violent disorder broke out there. Officers pushed protesters away from the site and said the planned work would continue normally, with all roads in the city now open to traffic.

The confrontation began after dozens of demonstrators blocked workers from entering the site and tried to disrupt the infrastructure project. Police, who had prepared for the scenario, quickly moved to clear the area and used crowd-control measures so the paving and other works could continue for the public.

During the evening unrest, detectives from the Lev HaBira station arrested two suspects, saying they were caught in the act and were suspected of damaging the light rail work site. Police said some participants used violence, caused damage to public infrastructure, and disrupted major traffic routes in Jerusalem. The two were taken for questioning.

Police said officers remained at the scene to keep order. A spokesman said, "The police will continue to act decisively against any attempt to violate public order and harm infrastructure works." After the operation, most protesters were moved back to the sidewalks, and all blocked roads were reopened. Police also noted that tensions over the Bar Ilan route have escalated in recent weeks, with similar riots occurring only days earlier at the same junction. The current unrest stems from opposition by protesters and rabbis who say the light rail line through ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods will change the area's character and bring in an audience that does not fit the neighborhood's spirit.