Over 60 arrested following violent haredi protest at Supreme Court judge’s residence

More than 60 suspects were detained after an ultra-Orthodox protest erupted near the Jerusalem residence of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg. Senior Israel Police Superintendent Chaim Taieb told 103FM on Thursday that the individuals were expected to appear in court the same day, with police requesting extended detention for further investigation.

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We are in the final stages of their initial investigation.

Taieb emphasized that the police are treating the incident not as a standard protest but as a "serious criminal event with real intent to harm." He stated that while police protect the freedom to demonstrate, this particular event constituted a "first-rate criminal event." The large number of arrests, he added, reflects the severity with which the police view the situation, highlighting it as a significant violation of the rule of law and a symbol of authority.

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I strongly believe and hope the court will treat the incident with the severity we see in it. I expect their detention will be extended. We are submitting a request to extend their detention to continue the investigation.

Further investigation revealed the protest to be a "secretive and organized operation," comparable to intelligence agency tactics, rather than a spontaneous gathering. Taieb noted the involvement of several factions, including those from Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, indicating significant coordination between them. This level of planning and organization was not anticipated based on previous ultra-Orthodox demonstrations.

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We are dealing with a first-rate criminal event, with real intentions to harm, and the number of detainees reflects that.

Taieb characterized the event as "unprecedented in its severity," reiterating the police's allowance for freedom of expression and protest but their zero tolerance for violence and property damage. He acknowledged that while the police aim to respond to all incidents, resource limitations can sometimes affect their ability to be present everywhere, but stressed that this does not excuse such severe violations.

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Over 60 arrests are not routine. This is not simply about freedom of protest but a serious violation of the rule of law and a symbol of authority.