The internet was in uproar last night (Monday) after shocking footage was circulated showing police officers beating a group of ultra-Orthodox protesters with batons.
The protesters were demonstrating against an event at a community center in the Ramat Beit Shemesh D neighborhood. Police who arrived at the scene demanded that the ultra-Orthodox evacuate, and when they refused, they began beating them with batons. It should be noted that in recent years, the police have banned beating with batons, and since the first protests of the [anti-government] demonstration movement, this procedure has been almost completely discontinued.
Police Commissioner Danny Levi ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the incident, including the conduct of the officers involved. The police stated, "If the investigation reveals that the officers acted unlawfully, they will be dealt with severely."
Later, the police announced that the officers and commanders involved in the incident would be removed from operational activity. "From an initial viewing of the videos, it appears that the conduct of the officers in the incident is not in line with what is expected of them as police officers and with the values of the Israel Police. Accordingly, and at this stage, the officers and commanders involved will be removed from operational activity until administrative measures are considered in their case."
