Traffic on Israel’s Route 4 was brought to a standstill after hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated against the arrest of young men who refused to report for mandatory military service. The police closed the highway in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh Interchange, south of Ramat Gan, and the Em Hamoshavot Interchange, north of Bnei Brak. Law enforcement declared the demonstration illegal, noting that protesters blocked the highway despite police requests to move. Video footage from the Geha Interchange showed protesters sitting and lying across the roadway, preventing cars, buses, and other vehicles from passing.
Escalating Tensions and Road Safety
The protests have resulted in significant disruptions and safety hazards for both motorists and demonstrators. During demonstrations in the area, a 70-year-old man was struck by a vehicle on Jabotinsky Road and evacuated to Beilinson Hospital in moderate condition with a head injury. In a separate incident near the Ganot interchange, a 21-year-old was also struck by a vehicle and treated for moderate injuries to his head and limbs. Clashes between frustrated motorists and protesters have also been reported. Video footage showed a truck driver confronting protesters with an iron bar, while protesters responded with kicks and punches. Police officers were deployed to maintain order and direct traffic onto alternative routes, warning the public that while the right to protest is a fundamental principle, authorities would not tolerate the unlawful restriction of movement.
Context of the Arrests
The recent wave of demonstrations follows the arrest of Moshe Reuven Verdiger, a married yeshiva student affiliated with the Gur hasidic movement. Verdiger was arrested Sunday night and sentenced to 20 days in a military prison after being declared a draft evader. According to reports, Verdiger had visited a military recruitment office to submit documents for an exemption. While initially told he was eligible, he was later asked to return to complete bureaucratic steps. Upon his arrival at the Tel Hashomer recruitment office, his status was changed, and he was sentenced to 20 days in prison. This arrest has raised concerns within the Haredi community regarding potential mass protests, with the Jerusalem Faction warning of a “significant and dramatic escalation” in response to the detention of yeshiva students.
Counter-Demonstrations and Political Response
The protests have also drawn counter-demonstrations. Social activist Lee Hoffman Agiv led a counter-protest calling for an end to the “exclusion of women and gender segregation.” Hoffman Agiv reported that protesters tore her banner from her hands and shouted insults at her. She stated that the battle for public space is a struggle for the face of Israel. The political reaction to the police response has been divided: * Arye Deri (Shas Chairman): Criticized police violence, calling it “unacceptable” and urging National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to intervene, stating that Torah students are being treated as criminals. * Yair Lapid (Opposition Leader): Attacked the government, stating that while Deri sits in the cabinet and supports the military, he simultaneously sends his children to block roads against the draft. Lapid added that the government’s consent to these actions is a “moral stain.”
Public Impact and Future Disruptions
The protests have extended beyond Route 4, impacting national infrastructure. Demonstrators have blocked railway tracks near the Tel Aviv HaHagana station, leading to the temporary halting of train service between the station and Lod. Additionally, major arteries including Highway 6 and Highway 1 have faced closures. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with further demonstrations expected in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Safed, and Nof HaGalil. The Israel Police has advised the public to remain alert for traffic changes and to seek alternative routes as the protests continue.
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