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 promptly, dispatching forces 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," emphasizing that no group has the right to close the city through roadblocks and threats. Schwartz affirmed the commitment of Jerusalem's liberal community to continue living, socializing, and spending time in the city on Shabbat, stating, "Jerusalem belongs to all of us." He also called on the Israeli police to act decisively, referencing their effective operations in previous incidents. The police are actively working to disperse the protesters and normalize traffic flow.