[63362] Arson at the light rail site on Bar-Ilan Street in Jerusalem

Fire at the light rail construction site in Jerusalem

Firefighting forces are currently working at a fire that broke out at a light rail construction site on Bar-Ilan Street in Jerusalem. The incident is causing significant repercussions surrounding the ongoing tension in the area regarding the infrastructure project.

According to the report on Zirat HaHadashot, the suspicion arises that "it is a case of deliberate arson" by extremists opposing the passage of the rail on this route.

Similarly, the Hershkovitz & Grobais - The Haredi Angle channel, which is identified with coverage of the Haredi sector, noted that "extreme Haredim have vandalized the site several times in the past". The channel emphasizes that it is likely deliberate arson, though they note that one must wait for the results of the official investigation by law enforcement authorities.

The current incident joins a series of previous incidents at the site, which illustrate the fierce opposition of extremist factions within the Haredi public to the light rail works planned to pass through the heart of the Haredi neighborhoods in the city.