Hundreds of Haredim demonstrated Thursday night against the Jerusalem Light Rail construction project on Bar-Ilan Street, with the protest escalating into fires, damage at the construction site and arrests.

Demonstrators gathered in the heavily Haredi area of northern Jerusalem to protest the expansion of the light rail through the neighborhood. During the disturbances, protesters tore down construction fencing, set fire to materials and attempted to enter the work site.

Police said members of the crowd threw objects, set trash bins on fire and disrupted traffic as officers worked to disperse the demonstration and restore order.

At least one suspect was arrested in connection with an alleged arson incident at the construction site and taken for questioning, according to police.

In a further development, N12 published footage showing police arresting another demonstrator on suspicion of throwing stones at officers. The stone-throwing allegation remains a police suspicion and has not been established in court.

The latest disturbances are part of a prolonged campaign against the light rail construction along Bar-Ilan Street. Haredi groups opposed to the project have repeatedly demonstrated at the site, with previous protests involving fires, damage to infrastructure and attempts to halt construction.

Government estimates released last month put cumulative damage associated with the repeated disturbances at approximately NIS 600 million, while security surrounding the project has itself required a substantial additional budget.