Police Violence at Road 4 Protest Sparks Widespread Outcry

Severe incidents during the dispersal of a protest on Road 4 near the Geha interchange and Bnei Brak have ignited a public storm. Footage from the scene showed injured and bleeding protesters, alongside the use of stun grenades and batons, prompting official reactions from across the political spectrum. Representatives of Haredi parties sharply criticized the forces' conduct. The Shas movement called for an immediate and thorough investigation, stating that images of injured individuals being evacuated by ambulance indicate the results of incitement that cannot be ignored. MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism stated that despite opposition to road blockades, bleeding protesters are unacceptable and demanded a hearing for the involved officers. Meanwhile, MK-designate Gabi Lasky of the Democrats sent a letter to the Police Commissioner, urging a review of protest handling and an end to the use of stun grenades. Lasky emphasized that regardless of the protest's content, police brutality erodes public trust and that throwing stun grenades into crowds is illegal and potentially harmful. The police and law enforcement maintain that their forces acted against an illegal disruption that paralyzed traffic on a main artery. According to a police statement, protesters ignored officers' calls and used violence, injuring police officers, including one hit in the head by a stone. The police reiterated that while upholding the right to protest, they will not permit disruptions to public order or harm to security forces.