The stormy clashes between the ultra-Orthodox and the police last night drew harsh reactions on how the enforcement was carried out • The police clarified: "The rioters beat and injured 7 policemen" • Also, they added: "Unfortunately, they are staining an entire public" • Litzman: "The policemen vented their anger by using anti-batons Passers"
The riots in Bnei Brak: The police responded this morning (Friday) to criticism leveled at the organization, following the violent incidents last night in Bnei Brak, according to which police used excessive force during riots by ultra-Orthodox extremists from the Viznitz-Center Hasidim in the city.
Severe clashes between police and residents of Bnei Brak
"We flatly reject contentless and illogical allegations and tweets, claiming 'too strict' enforcement, while many lawbreakers hurled stones at police officers, beat and wounded police officers, rioted and violated public order and set fire to bins," police said.
"Unfortunately, these offenders are hurting and tarnishing an entire public."
It was further reported that seven policemen were injured during the riots yesterday and six people were arrested.
In response, Minister of Construction and Housing Yaakov Litzman said: "What we saw in Bnei Brak is a wild and aggressive campaign of revenge by incited police, with collective punishment against hundreds of thousands of city residents, innocent of any crime. It should be emphasized that there is no justification for any violence, including of course "Police officers who do their job. Any use of violence is an illegal act to be condemned."
Litzman added: "However, I strongly condemn the instruction to bring in police companies to vent their anger on passers-by, the use of stun grenades and hallucinations.
"Throughout the night, they endangered many, harming the peace of tens of thousands of civilians, including small children, for no injustice."
Large police forces, including YSM personnel, arrived in the city last night with the aim of dispersing the yeshiva students responsible for the violent riot. Six suspects were arrested for disturbances and taken for questioning.
The incident began when ultra-Orthodox noticed a rental car with police officers on duty.
Dozens of young people arrived at the scene, who began throwing stones and planks at the vehicle, smashing the windows of vehicles and pecking at tires.
A policewoman sitting in one of the vehicles was slightly injured.