Ukrainian authorities on Thursday said they would deport two Israeli citizens arrested after riots broke out at a pilgrimage site for ultra-Orthodox Jews in the town of Uman.
Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko warned that any other foreign nationals who riot would also be deported from the country.
Israelis riot in Uman
"Dear pilgrims, remember you are guests in Ukraine," He wrote on social media. "Ukrainians are hospitable people, but we will not tolerate rude and violent behavior on your part."
His comments came a day after followers of the Breslov Hassidic movement broke down police barriers set up to maintain order and ensure local health directives were observed.
The rioters claimed they would oppose restrictions on the numbers of worshipers allowed to arrive at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the site of the annual pilgrimage held on the Jewish New Year.
Israelis visiting Uman ahead of the High Holidays explained the rioting was a result of Israeli and Ukrainian authorities' failure to put forth a plan to allow worshipers access to the grave.
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Ultra-Orthodox pilgrims to Uman congregate without maintaining social distancing regulations
One of the rioters warned protests would break out in Israel, claiming the 200,000-strong community of followers of the Breslov Hassidic movement were discriminated against and made to feel inferior to other ultra-Orthodox sects.
The Israeli embassy in Kiev urged visitors to Uman to adhere to local authorities' instructions and warned rioters would be subject to fines, arrests and deportation.
Israeli Kan News reported on Thursday that ultra-Orthodox passengers were kept off flights to certain European destinations for fear they would attempt to make their way to Uman despite Ukrainian authorities' decision to limit the number of pilgrims allowed to enter.