Hundreds of protesters rioted Thursday night on Bar Ilan Street in Yerushalayim during a demonstration against ongoing light rail construction, blocking a major intersection, setting fires, throwing stones at security forces and causing extensive damage to the construction site.
The protest spiraled into violent unrest as demonstrators occupied the intersection for an extended period and targeted equipment and infrastructure along the light rail route.
During the disturbances, protesters ripped out metal fencing surrounding sections of the construction zone and damaged infrastructure at the site. Garbage bins and cardboard collection facilities were also set on fire.
Large numbers of officers from the Lev Habira police station, the Yasam special patrol unit and Border Police were dispatched to the area as authorities attempted to disperse the hundreds of demonstrators.
Police used crowd-control measures and stun grenades after protesters refused orders to leave the area. A police water cannon was also brought to the scene. In one incident captured on video, a light rail security guard was seen spraying protesters with a fire extinguisher.
Police said rioters threw objects, set garbage bins ablaze, repeatedly attempted to block traffic arteries and sought to damage the light rail construction compound.
As the disturbances continued, a police commander formally declared the gathering an unlawful disturbance and ordered those participating to clear the roadway.
When the protesters refused to comply, officers began forcibly dispersing the crowd and employing riot-control measures in an effort to reopen the area and restore order.
Police later announced that two suspects had been arrested during the unrest.
One was taken into custody on suspicion of arson. A second suspect was arrested after police said he was identified throwing stones at police officers and Border Police personnel.
Both suspects were taken to a police station for questioning.
