Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Traffic at Jerusalem Entrance, Prompt Police Response

On the evening of August 29, 2026, ultra-Orthodox protesters disrupted traffic by blocking several buses at the entrance to Jerusalem. The police responded by dispatching forces to the scene to restore order and redirect traffic to alternative routes. Adir Schwartz, chairman of the Awakening Movement in Jerusalem and deputy mayor, condemned the blockade as a "crossing of a red line." Schwartz emphasized that no one has the right to close the city through roadblocks and threats, asserting that Jerusalem belongs to all its residents, including the liberal community who will continue to live and enjoy the city on Shabbat. He further stated that those attempting to turn Jerusalem into a closed city on Shabbat through intimidation do not understand the people of Jerusalem. Schwartz called on the Israeli police to act decisively, referencing their effective actions in a previous incident at Kafe Basemta.