Violent clashes erupted overnight in Yerushalayim’s Meah Shearim neighborhood during a protest against the arrest of draft resisters and their imprisonment in military detention facilities. Police said two demonstrators were arrested as security forces moved to restore order near Kikar HaShabbos.

According to police, officers from the Yerushalayim District, Border Police personnel, and special patrol units were dispatched to the area after protesters blocked major intersections, set fires, and disrupted traffic.

Police stated that “a disturbance of public order developed overnight in the Kikar HaShabbos area of Yerushalayim, when violent rioters began blocking traffic routes while attempting to damage vehicles and disrupt public order.”

Authorities said a police commander formally declared the gathering an unlawful disturbance and instructed participants to disperse. However, according to police, demonstrators refused to comply with the orders.

Police alleged that protesters began throwing objects at security forces while continuing to block the roadway. In response, Yerushalayim District officers, Border Police troops, and special patrol units moved to clear the area using force and crowd-control measures, including a water cannon and stun grenades.

The operation was aimed at freeing vehicles trapped by the protest, reopening roads to traffic, and restoring public order, police said.

Video footage from the scene showed chaotic confrontations between protesters and police, including the arrest of one demonstrator. Additional footage circulated from the protest appeared to show loudspeakers collapsing into the crowd during the disturbances.

In a statement, police emphasized that they support the right to protest but argued that the events crossed the line into unlawful conduct.

“Israel Police respects and allows freedom of expression and protest for every person in accordance with the law,” the statement said. “However, in this case, this was not freedom of expression or a legitimate protest, but rather a blatant disruption of public order, the blocking of major transportation arteries, and direct and severe harm to the daily lives of city residents and the general public.”

Police added that they would continue to act “with determination, zero tolerance, and professionalism” against acts of violence, vandalism, and violations of the law.

The two arrested protesters were taken into custody and transferred to a police station for questioning. Authorities did not immediately release additional details regarding possible charges.

{Matzav.com}