Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters from the so-called "Hertzniks" faction blocked Highway 4 on Wednesday morning near the Geha Interchange by Bnei Brak, in protest of the arrest of a draft dodger sentenced to 14 days. The blockade came during peak traffic and shut the road in both directions.
Police said Highway 4 was closed from Miflas HaMoshavot to Aluf Sadeh, and advised the public to use alternate routes. According to the Israel Police, an officer declared the demonstration illegal, and officers at the scene were directing traffic away from the area.
Later in the day, at 4:00 p.m., Gur Hasidim were expected to demonstrate outside Prison 10 in Kfar Yona over the arrest of a draft evader from the community.