Shin Bet chief on Jerusalem clashes: Violent protests could lead to ‘dangerous places’

from the Times of Israel

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar on Wednesday issued a warning to protesters after an attempted breach of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence by a large group of people during an anti-government demonstration in Jerusalem the previous night.

“The violent discourse online and some of the scenes we saw tonight in Jerusalem go beyond acceptable protest, harm the ability to maintain public order, could lead to violent clashes with law enforcement, disrupt their ability to carry out their work and even cause harm to individuals under protection,” said Bar.

“There is a clear line between legitimate protest and violent and illegal protest. This is a worrying trend that could lead to dangerous places which we must not come to,” he added.

Tuesday night’s demonstration, which began at the Knesset and ended near Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem’s upscale Rehavia neighborhood, descended into what police described as an “unbridled riot” when demonstrators closed in on the premier’s home. Officers and demonstrators were treated for injuries sustained throughout the night, including one officer at whom a protester had lobbed a burning torch.

Tuesday was the third in a four-day protest featuring a hundreds-strong encampment around the Knesset building. Some relatives of hostages held in Gaza have joined and spearheaded the anti-government protest, claiming political incentive was causing Netanyahu to delay the return of their loved ones, and demanding immediate elections to unseat the premier.''...

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