WATCH: Haredi protest against Jerusalem light rail construction erupts on Bar-Ilan Street

Haredi protesters took to Jerusalem’s Bar-Ilan Street on Monday to oppose construction of the city’s light rail network, prompting police to disperse the crowd after declaring the demonstration unlawful.

According to Israel Police, activists tried to block traffic and damage construction sites. The protest followed a series of regular demonstrations against the expansion of the light rail along the street.

Hundreds of Haredi demonstrators gathered in the same area on August 27, according to the article. Ynet News reported that some protesters tore down fences, set fire to cardboard installations and tried to enter the construction site. Police later arrested a suspect in the alleged arson and another suspect accused of throwing stones at security forces.

The latest protest comes amid reports of substantial damage to the unfinished Green Line. N12 News reported that Haredi protests had caused more than NIS 400 million in cumulative damage since construction began about six years ago.

The disruption has also affected the project’s timetable and design. According to N12, Jerusalem Light Rail operator Cfir changed opening dates and routing in several sections of the line because of the protests.