The violent protests seen last week in Yerushalayim shifted to Tel Aviv on Sunday evening 14 Iyar, once again turning ugly. Protestors, members of the Israeli Ethiopian community, are protesting alleged police brutality against the community. According to Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, 56 policemen were injured in the violence on Sunday evening along with 43 protesters. Protesters attacked police with rocks as well as turning over a police car. They also set garbage receptacles on fire. Police responded with stun grenades.

Israel Police Tel Aviv District Deputy Chief Yoram Ochayon told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Monday morning that he will no longer permit a protest without a permit. He added that the policemen seen in the video beating an [Israeli Ethiopian] soldier will face criminal charges as will anyone and everyone using violence and breaking the law. He added Israeli Ethiopian policemen are an integral part of the police force and they “fight alongside me, shoulder by shoulder”.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday 15 Iyar will convene a discussion with the participation of Ethiopian community representatives, and will also meet with IDF soldier Damas Pakada, who was filmed being beaten by two policemen.

Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino, as well as representatives of the Public Security, Social Affairs and Social Services, Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, and Interior Ministries, and the Union of Local Authorities, will also attend the meeting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening spoke with Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich. Mr. Netanyahu has called for calm and the restoration of order. “All claims will be looked into but there is no place for violence and such disturbances,” the Prime Minister said.

19 of the protesters arrested on Sunday evening will be remanded on Monday morning in the Tel Aviv Magistrate Court.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)