The Israeli police arrested five suspects who were seen spitting in the direction of Christian tourists in the Old City of Jerusalem, according to a police statement on Wednesday morning.

One of the suspects was seen in video showing multiple ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and children demonstratively spitting on the ground in the direction of the Christian group and the church behind them as they began to exit the complex.

The incident, as well as comments made by a settler activist Elisha Yered who called spitting at Christians an "ancient Jewish custom," were widely condemned by politicians and civil leaders.

The four other suspects were arrested on the spot for spitting at Christians on Wednesday morning. The Jerusalem police has stepped up efforts to curb the phenomenon, according to local district commander Doron Turjeman.

This article originally appeared on All Israel News and is reposted with permission.