Clashes Erupt Near Bnei Brak as Police Use Stun Grenades on Protesters
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A protest by Haredi demonstrators near Bnei Brak escalated into violence when police used stun grenades, injuring at least ten people, some with head trauma. Police claim the protest was illegal, while demonstrators accuse Minister Ben-Gvir of using the police for political revenge. The protest was sparked by the arrest of a yeshiva student, Alon Smadja.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police used stun grenades against Haredi protesters near Bnei Brak, injuring at least ten people.
- A senior police source suggested the actions were politically motivated by Commissioner Dani Levy.
- Jerusalem Faction sources accused Minister Ben-Gvir of using police for revenge after election results.
- MK Yaakov Asher called the police conduct a "red line" and demanded an investigation.
- Police stated the protest was illegal and reported an officer was injured by a thrown stone.
- The demonstration was in response to the arrest of yeshiva student Alon Smadja.
A protest by Haredi demonstrators near Bnei Brak turned violent on Friday, with police deploying stun grenades against the crowd. The demonstration, organized by the "Heretzponim" group and the Jerusalem Faction, began about an hour before the clashes. Medical personnel treated over 25 individuals, including both protesters and police officers, for minor injuries such as bruises and head trauma. At least ten people were evacuated to hospitals.
According to a senior police source speaking to Kikar HaShabbat, the actions were an attempt by Police Commissioner Dani Levy to appease the left following the right's election loss, anticipating Yair Golan's potential appointment as Minister of National Security. Representatives from the Jerusalem Faction accused Minister Ben-Gvir of using the police for revenge over election results, stating, "Haredi blood is not forfeit."
United Torah Judaism Chairman MK Yaakov Asher condemned the police conduct, calling it a "red line." Despite his opposition to road blockades, Asher stated that the "difficult documentation" of injured protesters, including one with special needs, could not be ignored. He urged Commissioner Levy to investigate the officers involved.
The police maintained that the protest was illegal, stating that demonstrators continued to gather despite warnings and attempts at de-escalation. They also reported that an officer sustained a head injury from a thrown stone.
The protest was initiated following the arrest of yeshiva student Alon Smadja the previous week. The demonstration proceeded under the direction of Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, amid claims of a planned arrest operation against draft dodgers among yeshiva students. Smadja was reportedly lured out of his home by military police who falsely claimed a delivery was waiting for him.
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