Police 'surprised' by Tel Aviv clashes despite receiving prior warnings

Police say they were “surprised” by the intensity of the clashes in Tel Aviv between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government.

Haim Bublil, Yarkon District Police chief, says the authorities coordinated with both sides in the lead-up to the event, but they did not follow the requirements set by police.

“Opponents of the regime broke through the barriers, fought with police, threw rocks and fences. We used dispersion methods. We were surprised by the intensity of the violence,” he says.

Representatives of the Eritrean community in Israel say they warned police a week ago over threats of violence surrounding the event hosted by the Eritrean embassy.