Haredi protest against light rail construction erupts on Jerusalem's Bar-Ilan Street
Police said activists tried to block traffic and damage the construction sites, and officers began dispersing the crowd after declaring the demonstration ill...
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters in Jerusalem set fire to construction materials and blocked traffic during a demonstration against the expansion of the light rail network on Bar-Ilan Street.
Police declared the protest illegal and began dispersing the crowd after activists attempted to damage construction sites along the light rail route.
Haredi protests against the light rail project have resulted in over NIS 400 million in damages to the unfinished Green Line, causing delays and changes to the route.
Police said activists tried to block traffic and damage the construction sites, and officers began dispersing the crowd after declaring the demonstration illegal.
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters demonstrated against light rail construction on Bar-Ilan Street in Jerusalem on Monday, according to the Israel Police.
Police said activists tried to block traffic and damage the construction sites, and officers began dispersing the crowd after declaring the protest unlawful.
The demonstration marks the latest in what have become regular protests against the expansion of Jerusalem's light rail network along Bar-Ilan Street.
On August 27, hundreds of haredi individuals gathered in the same area to protest the project, with Ynet News reporting that several demonstrators tore down fences, set fire to cardboard installations , and attempted to break into the construction site.
A suspect in the alleged arson was later arrested by police and taken in for questioning. An additional suspect was arrested for throwing stones at security forces.
Haredi protests cause over NIS 400 million in damage to light rail
The protests follow an N12 News report that haredi protests have cumulatively caused over NIS 400 million in damage to the Jerusalem Light Rail's unfinished Green Line since construction began about six years ago.
The protests have caused Jerusalem Light Rail operator Cfir to change opening dates and routing in several sections of the line, according to N12.
Walla and Alon Hachmon contributed to this report.
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