Haredi protests cause over $100 million in damage to Jerusalem light rail project, reports say

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters have caused extensive damage to Jerusalem's light rail construction, with reports indicating over NIS 400 million in damages to the unfinished Green Line. Demonstrators have engaged in acts such as burning trees and blocking traffic at the Bar-Ilan Intersection, escalating their opposition to the light rail project.

The protests have led to significant disruptions, including vandalism of construction materials and pipes. According to N12 News, the company operating Jerusalem's light rail, Kfir, has been forced to alter opening dates and routing for several sections. For instance, a section originally slated to open by the end of 2025 is now delayed until 2027 due to severe vandalism.

Despite ongoing efforts to curb the demonstrations, including dozens of indictments filed over the past six years for charges like disorderly conduct and rioting, and civil lawsuits filed by the municipality, the protests persist. The cumulative damage and delays highlight a persistent conflict between the protesters' demands and the city's infrastructure development plans.