Kerry and Netanyahu
Kerry and NetanyahuReuters

With angry demonstrations from the Ethiopian Jewish community set to continue Monday, even the United States was weighing in on the protests that have erupted in Israel recently.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday he was confident Israel would investigate allegations of violence and police brutality against the Ethiopian community.  

"I'm confident that Israeli leadership will work this through in a way that honors the goals, and aspirations and traditions and values of the people of Israel," Kerry told reporters in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

The Secretary of State added that he believed the matter would be put "thoroughly under investigation."

Protests exploded Thursday in Jerusalem, sparked by the publication of a video showing two policemen assaulting Damas Pakada, an Ethiopian Jewish soldier.

It was the breaking point for Ethiopian Israelis, who number over 135,000, and who assert their community has long suffered from widespread discrimination since immigration to the Jewish state

The protests continued Sunday in Tel Aviv, turning violent, with dozens injured. They are expected to resume in the capital on Monday. 

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called for a united frontagainst racism after meeting with leaders of the Ethiopian Jewish community.

"We must stand together as one against the phenomenon of racism, to denounce it and eliminate it," he said in a statement after a three-hour meeting focused on grievances within the community over police brutality and discrimination.

AFP contributed to this report.