Eleven suspects were arrested during violent riots in Jerusalem early Tuesday morning that left a Border Police officer lightly wounded and caused damage to municipal vehicles, Israel Police said.
The disturbances began at around 3 a.m. in the area of Haim Bar-Lev Boulevard and Zaks Street, where hundreds of youths blocked roads and threw stones and other objects at civilians and police officers, according to police.
Police said rioters damaged Jerusalem Municipality vehicles and stole one of them before later abandoning it.
During the disturbances, a Border Police officer was struck in the head by a bottle that had been thrown and was evacuated for medical treatment in light condition. Another person located by police officers was evacuated in light condition after apparently being assaulted by rioters, according to the police statement.
Rioters later reached the Damascus Gate area of Jerusalem’s Old City, where clashes with police and local residents escalated following the arrest of an ultra-Orthodox rioter.
11 suspects arrested for rioting, vandalism, violence
Jerusalem District Police officers and Border Police personnel worked to disperse the crowds using riot-control measures until officers regained control of the area, police said.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested on suspicion of rioting, vandalism, and involvement in violent incidents and were transferred to a police station for questioning.
“This is serious conduct by lawbreakers who arrived with the aim of causing damage, committing acts of vandalism, and attacking security forces and civilians,” police said.
“We will not tolerate violent riots and will use all means to locate additional people involved and bring them, as well as those arrested during the incidents, to justice.”
