Four police officers were injured and several patrol cars damaged during violent clashes in Beit Shemesh overnight, after ultra-Orthodox extremists rioted in response to the arrest of a community member suspected of assaulting minors, police said Tuesday.
The unrest erupted when police arrived to arrest the suspect as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offenses against minors. Dozens of extremist protesters quickly gathered at the scene, hurling stones and objects at officers and vehicles.
A medical response vehicle dispatched to treat an injured officer came under attack, with protesters smashing its windows and reportedly pepper-spraying the driver. One officer sustained head injuries from a thrown rock, according to police reports.
Large reinforcements from Jerusalem District's special patrol unit (Yasam) were deployed to restore order. Despite protesters' demands to release the suspect, police used crowd dispersal methods and made several arrests.
"The Israel Police will act decisively and impartially in investigating criminal cases, particularly those involving sexual abuse of minors," a police spokesperson said. "We will not tolerate lawbreakers who endanger public safety and assault police officers."
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and some ultra-Orthodox communities in Beit Shemesh, a city that has seen similar clashes in recent years.
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