Protests have continued to protest in Jaffa for a third night over the May 30 killing of Iyad al-Hallak, a 32-year old disabled man by Border Police officers in the old city of Jerusalem, prompting Israel Police to arrest four suspects after they allegedly set fire to trash bins on Jaffa Street and threw stones at authorities late Wednesday, according to the police spokesperson.
In response to the arrest of four individuals involved the rioting, a spokesperson from Israel Police said that "they were arrested by the police due to their violent behavior," adding that "the criminal proceedings against them will be decided soon."
Additionally on Wednesday demonstrators also gathered to express their anger at the Tel Aviv municipality for the removal of an ancient cemetery in the predominately Arab-Israeli city of Jaffa, with a community center for the homeless being built in its place.
In recent nights, protesters have continued to gather and confront police authorities over the killing of al-Hallak in Jaffa, Haifa and Jerusalem, with the protests often degenerating into stone-throwing, and demonstrators shooting-off fireworks and setting fire to tires and trash bins.
The actions of the police were slammed by many in the Israeli public as the late al-Hallak was autistic. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said he expects a swift investigation into police conduct in this issue.
During a Jerusalem protest on late Tuesday, hundreds of Palestinians waved the flags of the Palestinian Authority and used fireworks to gain attention. Some tried to halt the movement of the light rail, Maariv, Jerusalem Post's sister publication reported.
The protesters called out “Netanyahu you coward, Arab blood is not forfeit”, “Officer, who are you protecting?” and “Ohana must resign!” in reference to Public Security Minister Amir Ohana who is in charge of police affairs.