Jaffa Cleric Arrested Over Incitement During Protest March

Jerusalem, 14 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Police arrested a local cleric in his 30s on Thursday morning for allegedly inciting violence against Jews during a protest march in Jaffa.

The demonstration followed an incident in which a pregnant Arab woman said she was pepper-sprayed by Jewish assailants while driving in the Ajami neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to a mixed population of Muslim and Christian Arabs, and Jews.

“During the march, racist chants were heard that could cause a disturbance of order and harm public order,” police said in a statement.

Police said the suspect later continued posting calls for disorder on social media, including racist chants against Jews. The cleric was arrested and taken in for questioning. Police did not identify the suspect’s name or denomination.

No arrests have been made in connection with the alleged assault.