JERUSALEM (AP) – Ultra-Orthodox Jews attacked an unmarked Israeli police vehicle overnight, stoned it and smashed windows while officers were inside and sparked a riot in which at least six people were arrested, police said Friday.
Violence broke out in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv. Tensions have risen between police and Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as many have openly defied blockade restrictions on religious gatherings. Police trying to separate weddings, funerals and other gatherings have often faced violent crowds.
The latest violence began when the crowd in Bnei Brak hit the police vehicle with stones, smashing its windows and puncturing its tires. Officers inside demanded a reservation, and when reinforcements arrived, the crowd blocked the roads and burned the tires.
“Police continue to disperse a violent and savage riot in Bnei Brak, during which stones were thrown at police officers and tires were set on fire in the center of the city’s main thoroughfares,” police said in a statement early Friday. .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the violence and vowed to act “with a heavy hand” against anyone who breaks the law or attacks the police.
Israel has reported more than 580,000 cases and 4,245 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic and is currently in its third blockade nationwide, with most schools and businesses closed.
Israel has launched one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, with over 20% of its population of over 9 million already receiving a first dose. But the arrival of highly contagious strains of the virus has kept the number of cases high.
Israel has more than 80,000 active cases, including hundreds of people in critical condition. Authorities recently extended the blockade until the end of the month.