Haredi Protesters Block Route 443 After Arrest of Draft-Dodging Driver in Stolen Car

Dozens of Haredi protesters are currently blocking Route 443 near the Ofar checkpoint in protest of the arrest of a young Haredi man who was found to be a draft dodger. The incident began when Border Police and checkpoint officers stopped a vehicle arriving at the Ofar crossing on Route 443 for inspection. During the check, police discovered the vehicle was stolen. The driver, a man in his twenties from Ashdod, was arrested on the spot. Further investigation revealed that he was also a draft dodger. Shortly after the arrest, dozens of protesters arrived and began blocking the road to protest the detention. Police stated that Border Police and Judea and Samaria District officers are working at the scene to restore order and reopen the road. Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft continue to be investigated at the Modi'in Illit police station in the Judea and Samaria District.