JERUSALEM (AP) – Ultra-Orthodox Jews attacked an unmarked Israeli police vehicle during the night, throwing stones and breaking windows while police were inside, and unleashing a riot in which at least six people were arrested, police said Friday. -market.
Violence broke out in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city near Tel Aviv. Tension increased between the police and Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community during the coronavirus pandemic, as many openly challenged blocking restrictions to hold religious meetings. Police seeking to interrupt weddings, funerals and other meetings often face violent crowds.
The latest violence began when the crowd in Bnei Brak threw stones at the police vehicle, smashing its windows and puncturing the tires. The officers inside called for reinforcements, and when reinforcements arrived, the crowd blocked the roads and burned tires.
“The police continue to disperse a violent and wild riot in Bnei Brak, during which stones were thrown at police and tires set on fire in the center of the city’s main thoroughfares,” the police said in a statement on Friday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence and promised to act “with a heavy hand” against anyone who broke the law or attacked the police.
Israel has reported more than 580,000 cases and 4,245 deaths since the pandemic began and is currently in its third national blockade, with most schools and companies closed.
Israel launched one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, with more than 20% of its population of over 9 million having already received the 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.