Riots break out at Jerusalem light rail construction site - police

The rioters damaged fences and entered the work site in order to disrupt construction. Some even threw stones at law enforcement on the scene.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men scuffle with Israeli police as they protest against the new construction work for the Jerusalem Light Rail, on Bar-Ilan Street, Jerusalem, August 24, 2021 (Illustrative).  (photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men scuffle with Israeli police as they protest against the new construction work for the Jerusalem Light Rail, on Bar-Ilan Street, Jerusalem, August 24, 2021 (Illustrative).
(photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)

Riots broke out on Jerusalem's Bar-Ilan Street at one of the construction sites of the Jerusalem light rail, the police reported late Wednesday night.

The rioters damaged fences and entered the work site in order to disrupt construction. Some even threw stones at law enforcement on the scene.

Footage of the riots was shared over social media, depicting police clashing with largely ultra-Orthodox protesters. 

Police forces made arrests as they worked to disperse the rioters.

Background

In the past, Jerusalem's haredi residents have frequently protested against the construction of the light rail, which is set to pass through ultra-Orthodox areas of the capital. These protests were especially frequent around Bar-Ilan Street, and have escalated into outright clashes with police on more than one occasion.