Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters from the "Ratzpanikim" faction blocked Highway 4 near the Geha Interchange by Bnei Brak on Wednesday morning, disrupting traffic at the height of the rush hour. The demonstration was held over the arrest of an ultra-Orthodox draft evader who was sentenced to 14 days in detention.
Police said Highway 4 was closed to traffic in both directions from Ma'aleh HaMoshava to Aluf Sadeh, and drivers were told to use alternate routes. According to the Israel Police, a police officer declared the protest illegal, and officers at the scene were directing traffic to detours.
Later in the day, at 4:00 p.m., Gur Hasidim were expected to demonstrate outside Prison 10 in Kfar Yona, also in protest against the arrest of a draft evader from their community.