Traffic light toppled, fences vandalized: Footage from the ultra-Orthodox protest against the light rail in Jerusalem
Dozens of extremist ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated this evening on Bar Ilan Street in Jerusalem against light rail construction work. Participants toppled a traffic light and vandalized fences. Police clashed with the rioters using stun grenades and a water cannon. Police stated they declared an unlawful assembly and forcibly cleared the area.
Dozens of extremist ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated this evening (Tuesday) on Bar Ilan Street in Jerusalem against light rail construction work. Footage from the scene shows participants toppling a traffic light and vandalizing fences at construction sites. Police clashed with the rioters, using stun grenades and a water cannon. Police stated that officers from the Jerusalem District, along with YASAM and Border Police fighters, responded to the disturbance, and a police officer declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the rioters to disperse. When they did not comply, forces began using force and means to disperse them. The protests are directed against the construction of the "Green Line" within ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods. The line, which is supposed to connect Gilo to Mount Scopus, was originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, but work only began in October 2024 due to delays including the war and opposition from extremist ultra-Orthodox factions. Completion is now expected by the end of 2027. In July, it was reported that damage from ultra-Orthodox riots against the line has reached half a billion shekels.