Israeli Military Deserter Arrested in Stolen Vehicle Sparks Ultra-Orthodox Protest at Ofar Checkpoint

On August 28, 2026, a 20-year-old resident of Ashdod was arrested at the Ofar checkpoint on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle. During the inspection, authorities discovered that the suspect was a military deserter. This revelation triggered unrest as dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered at the scene, blocking Route 443 to prevent the suspect's handover to the military police. A voice message from the "Kidnappers Have Arrived" hotline urged tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox individuals to come to the checkpoint near Jerusalem and obstruct the arrest.

Border Police and Judea and Samaria District police forces are currently working to restore order and reopen the traffic route on Route 443. The suspect remains inside a police jeep, with protesters physically preventing the vehicle from leaving. Meanwhile, investigations into the circumstances of the vehicle theft continue at the Modiin Illit police station in the Judea and Samaria District.