Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jun 5: More than 60 people were detained following a violent ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) protest near the residence of Israeli Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg, police officials said.

Senior Israel Police Superintendent Chaim Taieb described the incident as a serious criminal act rather than a routine demonstration, stating that investigators were examining evidence suggesting deliberate coordination and intent to cause harm.

Speaking to local media, Taieb said all the suspects were expected to be produced before a court, with police seeking an extension of their detention to continue the investigation.

“We are not dealing with an ordinary protest. This was a serious criminal event with real intent to harm,” he said.

According to police, the gathering appeared to have been carefully planned and involved multiple ultra-Orthodox factions from the Beit Shemesh area. Investigators are probing allegations that the participants were mobilised through an organised operation rather than a spontaneous demonstration.

Taieb said the scale of the arrests reflected the seriousness with which authorities viewed the incident.

“More than 60 arrests are not routine. This is not simply about freedom of protest but a serious violation of the rule of law and an attack on a symbol of state authority,” he added.

Police officials stressed that while the right to peaceful protest would continue to be protected, violence, property damage and threats against public institutions would not be tolerated.

The incident has sparked concern within Israeli law enforcement circles, with senior officials warning that failure to take firm action could encourage further escalation against state institutions and public officials.

Investigations are continuing to identify those who allegedly organised and financed the protest, with authorities indicating that attention will also focus on individuals suspected of directing the participants' actions.