Far-Right Groups Spark Tensions, Clashes in Lod; 11 Arrested

Tensions escalated in the city of Lod late at night as far-right groups conducted provocative marches through Arab neighborhoods, leading to clashes, injuries, and the arrest of 11 individuals, including minors and a woman. Arab residents reported that extremist groups, arriving from outside Lod, roamed Arab neighborhoods, throwing stones, hurling insults, and directing racist slurs at residents, which ignited confrontations in several areas. Local media circulated videos and statements from far-right activists, including Mordechai David and his companions, who stated they were touring Arab neighborhoods before the clashes erupted. The Israeli police intervened to disperse gatherings and restore public order, arresting 11 suspects. One young man, approximately 20 years old, sustained moderate injuries from a violence incident and was treated by United Hatzalah paramedics before being transported to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) in stable condition. The police stated that dozens gathered and some disrupted public order, prompting the intervention and arrests. They denied reports of a stabbing incident during the clashes, urging the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate the situation.