Clashes erupt between police and Ethiopian Jews in Tel Aviv

Violent clashes broke out on Sunday evening between Ethiopian Jews and Israeli police in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. Ten demonstrators were wounded and dozens were arrested after some tried to storm the municipality building and others pelted police with stones and empty bottles. The police responded by firing tear gas and stun grenades at the protesters.

In the wake of the escalation of the protests against alleged police racism, Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino told Israel’s Channel 10 TV, “The use of violence by a small minority of the many protesters does not serve their struggle. Whoever harms police or civilians will be brought to justice.” Such protests, he added, are not acceptable in a democratic state.

He pointed out that most of the protesters’ demands are not related to the police, and the situation has not reached boiling point solely because of police violence. Rather, he said, the Ethiopians’ problems are related to migration and the police are only partially responsible for the current situation.

The Israeli soldier of Ethiopian origin who was filmed being beaten by police officers in the video that led to the outbreak of the demonstrations and violence, called on protesters to calm down. He rejected violence against Israeli police and citizens. In contrast, the Israeli police said that they are dealing with forces that have infiltrated the demonstrators to incite violence against the officers.

On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the gate of a compound in Tel Aviv, blocking the Ayalon Highway. They also blocked several other streets and junctions nearby, leading to major traffic disruption; the highway is a major road in the area, especially during the afternoon rush hour.

The demonstrators carried banners denouncing police racism and holding the government responsible for events. Although a large force of police officers was deployed, those of Ethiopian origin were held back on the grounds of preventing any embarrassment.

The demonstration was joined by a number of Knesset members, including the chairman of the Joint List bloc of Arab parties in Israel, Ayman Odeh.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he has invited the leaders of the Ethiopian community in Israel, the Police Commissioner and relevant bodies to a meeting at his office on Monday. He will also meet with the soldier who was abused by police officers due to his Ethiopian origins.

Images below from the protest Thursday.