In his remarks regarding the recent violent protests by Israel’s Ethiopian community, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein feels the problem is far more serious than it appears to some. Edelstein opened the Knesset summer session by addressing the unprovoked beating of an Israeli Ethiopian IDF soldier by police, the event that sparked that community’s violent protest, calling it “A sad chapter in Israeli history”.

While backing the Ethiopian community’s right to protest, Edelstein lamented the violence against police that led to the injuring of tens of policepersons and protestors.

Joining a growing number of public officials, the speaker is calling for closer examination of allegations of discrimination and police brutality against the Israeli Ethiopian community. Edelstein warned of anarchy and innocent citizens being pulled into civil war, adding “I believe we are already on the brink”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)