On Saturday, a wave of violent unrest swept through south Tel Aviv as clashes erupted between supporters and critics of the Eritrean regime, leaving dozens of protesters and police officers injured. The majority of the protesters were Eritrean immigrants who have sought refuge in Israel over the years, fleeing political turmoil in their homeland.
The disturbances followed an annual conference organized by the Eritrean embassy in Israel, which convened to express support for the existing government in Eritrea. A counter-demonstration was staged outside the conference venue, gathering Eritreans who are opposed to the regime. What initially began as peaceful demonstrations on both sides quickly escalated into a widespread fracas involving thousands of participants. The chaos that ensued saw acts of stone-throwing, mob violence, and general disorder.
Law enforcement agencies were swiftly deployed to regain control of the situation. However, the conflict took an alarming turn as the crowd's aggression shifted towards the police officers. The level of hostility directed at law enforcement was both unusually high and concerning. Attempts to quell the unrest resulted in numerous injuries, with approximately 30 police officers and 150 protesters requiring medical attention at nearby hospitals.
Violence has erupted during a protest in Tel Aviv against an event organised by the Eritrean Embassy
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 2, 2023
Similar violent protests have emerged around the world as Eritrea marks 30 years of independence, with festivals held by Eritrea’s diaspora across Europe and North America 👇 pic.twitter.com/zyzw7MFmM4
The Israel Police released a statement detailing the tumultuous events. According to their spokesperson, "large forces of the Israel Police had been mobilized since the early morning in anticipation of the planned Eritrean demonstration. While a specific location and time had been designated for the protest, demonstrators arrived ahead of schedule and initiated disruptions around Hamsgar Street and Yad Harutz Street. The dissent escalated into severe acts of violence and vandalism."
Police reports confirmed that 49 officers were injured during the confrontation, some of whom were evacuated for medical treatment. The crowd employed rocks, sticks, and other makeshift weapons against the officers. Several Eritrean nationals were also injured, necessitating their evacuation to medical facilities. Faced with a rapidly deteriorating situation and fearing for their lives, the police made the decision to open fire in order to disperse the advancing crowd.
Pro-democracy and Pro-dictator Eritrean protesters clashing in Tel Aviv - Over hundred injured. Those who support dictatorship, why are they dying to live in Israel, not going back to Eritrea?
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 2, 2023
pic.twitter.com/0ATsDuGIjO
In light of the gravity of the events, the Prime Minister's Office announced the formation of a special ministerial team tasked with exploring actions against the illegal immigrants involved in the disturbances, including potential deportation measures. This team is scheduled to convene tomorrow in Jerusalem.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich weighed in on the matter, stating, "The riots on Saturday were merely a prelude to what awaits us if we fail to repatriate these infiltrators to their countries of origin. The Supreme Court bears sole responsibility for the present circumstances. For years, we've issued warnings, and for years, the judiciary has thwarted efforts aimed at enabling the return of these individuals. This is precisely why we are spearheading judicial reforms that will empower elected officials to enact and implement decisions in the interest of Israeli citizens' safety and security."
Scary what is happening in Tel Aviv now. Asylum seekers from Eritrea in violent riot with the Israeli police. It is reported that over 160 people are injured, 14 of them are seriously injured and 5 are on ventilators. Several doctors have had to break their Shabbat to go to the… pic.twitter.com/DzDguNdbZn
— Ayelet Azoury (@azoury_ayelet) September 2, 2023
This episode serves as a grim reminder of the pressing challenges Israel faces in grappling with illegal immigration and social unrest, as well as raises questions about the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks to handle such issues.
