A protest at the Eliakim interchange turned violent Sunday when a 17-year-old was attacked by several youths while lying on the ground. Israeli police arrested four suspects at the scene—two on suspicion of assault and two others for disturbing the peace. The incident occurred as officers were dispersing protesters who had blocked traffic at the interchange.
According to police, officers spotted several youths beating the teen, who was lying on the ground at the side of the road, during the dispersal operation. The 17-year-old was taken for medical treatment and is listed in mild condition, according to medical sources. The circumstances of the incident and what sparked the altercation are under investigation.
Officers on the scene immediately moved to stop the assault and arrested two of the suspected attackers. Two additional youths were arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace during the demonstration. All four detainees were taken to the police station for questioning to determine further action.
Police emphasized in response to the incident that they will allow freedom of expression and protest within the bounds of the law. However, they added: “As with any protest, we will not allow events that harm public safety or could lead to public disorder, and certainly not harm innocent citizens.”