Jerusalem riot at Shabbat Square ends with water cannon use and two arrests

Violent unrest broke out overnight in central Jerusalem’s Shabbat Square, where protesters blocked major roads, tried to damage passing cars, and threw objects at security forces. Police said the crowd seriously disrupted public order in the heart of the city.

Large forces from the Jerusalem District Police, Border Police, and the Yasam riot unit were rushed to the scene to regain control, rescue trapped drivers, and restore traffic. After an officer formally declared the gathering an illegal disturbance and ordered everyone off the road, the protesters refused to disperse and continued hurling objects at officers.

Police then used riot-control measures, including water cannon and stun grenades, to clear the area and free the vehicles stuck in the crowd. By the end of the confrontation, the main roads around Shabbat Square had been reopened to full traffic.

Two suspects were arrested for involvement in the public disorder and taken to a police station for questioning. Police said they respect lawful protest and freedom of expression, but described this incident as a serious violation involving road blockages and harm to city life, vowing to act firmly against violence, vandalism, and lawbreaking.