Earlier this evening, Thursday, the ultra-Orthodox Million Rally in Jerusalem ended in violent riots. The protest, held amid the ongoing dispute over Israel’s draft law and the demand for exemption from military service, escalated near the city’s entrance as crowds threw stones, fences, and objects at police officers. Fires and barricades were set alight along the main route, blocking roads and causing heavy traffic.
Clashes, Injuries and Arrests
Police said an officer was injured after being struck by a stone during the disturbances. Despite repeated warnings to stop the violence, some protesters refused to comply and were detained. Officers used crowd-dispersal measures, and dozens of suspects were taken for questioning.
Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke, flames, and dozens of police vehicles rushing to the scene. The confrontations took place mainly near the Lifta interchange, where access roads to Jerusalem were temporarily closed.
Roads Reopened and Police Statement
Highway 1 and the Lifta interchange have since reopened after hours of closures. Jerusalem Police said: “The police will allow every person to exercise freedom of expression, but will not permit public disorder or harm to the safety of civilians and officers at the scene.”
