Ultra-Orthodox protests that began from several locations across Israel escalated on Friday into violent confrontations, with footage circulating online showing clashes between protesters and passersby. The videos also show severe violence against some demonstrators. The reports did not initially receive an immediate response from police.
MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism said he was concerned about harm to protest participants and urged police to act firmly against anyone attacking the ultra-Orthodox public. He wrote that the “incitement” by Justice Solberg, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Police Commissioner Danny Levi had “shed the blood of members of the ultra-Orthodox public,” and said, “We demand to be allowed our right to protest without harm to our property or our lives.”
Police said Southern District forces were operating in Arad after a report of a brawl near a residential complex. According to the police, units and Border Police that were called to the scene were working to restore public order and prevent further violence. The article also included a traffic update at 17:45 showing heavy congestion on major roads nationwide, including Route 1, Routes 2, 4, 7, 41, 65, 66, 70, 77, and others, due to traffic accidents, convoys, and ongoing slowdowns.
