Israeli Military Detainee Arrested in Stolen Car at Ofar Checkpoint Amid Haredi Protests

A 20-year-old resident of Ashdod was arrested on August 28 at the Ofar checkpoint on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle. During the inspection, it was discovered that the suspect was an Israeli military deserter. Following the arrest, dozens of Haredi protesters gathered at the site, blocking Route 443 to prevent the suspect's handover to the military police. The group was mobilized by a voice message from the "Kidnappers Hotline," which urged tens of thousands of Haredim to come to the checkpoint near Jerusalem to obstruct the arrest.

Border Police and Judea and Samaria District police forces are currently working to restore order and reopen the traffic route on Highway 443. The suspect remains inside a police jeep, with protesters preventing the vehicle from leaving the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stolen vehicle at the Modiin Illit police station in the Judea and Samaria District.