Beit Shemesh protesters block roads, damage property, as police seek to reestablish order

Ultra-Orthodox protesters in Beit Shemesh took to the streets Monday night, blocking roads and causing damage to public property. The demonstrations centered on the indictment of a resident accused of setting fire to plants near a police station. Protesters escalated their actions by setting dumpsters ablaze and damaging fences. A police vehicle also sustained significant damage during the unrest.

When officers attempted to clear the roads and demanded the protesters disperse, the crowd responded by throwing rocks and other projectiles. The Israel Police stated they responded with forceful methods to restore order.

"The Israel Police views the incident as serious, and this is not how a protest is held," the police said in a statement. "This is violence directed at the forces on the ground, while harming the fabric of life in the area. We will use all means to disperse the rioters in order to restore and maintain public order."

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The Israel Police views the incident as serious, and this is not how a protest is held. This is violence directed at the forces on the ground, while harming the fabric of life in the area. We will use all means to disperse the rioters in order to restore and maintain public order.