Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Highway 4, Police and Politicians Trade Accusations

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked Highway 4 at the entrance to Bnei Brak on Wednesday morning without advance notice, protesting military enlistment and the arrest of draft evaders. The closure halted traffic in both directions from the Ayalon Interchange to Elof Sade, and police urged drivers to use alternate routes.

During the protest, Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police chief Superintendent Yigal Shavit was filmed tearing a demonstrator’s pants and dragging him along the road. Other protesters were also seen being pulled off the roadway. Demonstrators accused police of using severe violence against them.

Police spokesman Commander Aryeh Doron told ynet’s studio that it was “an illegal protest” and that police’s job was to restore traffic. “We will do everything to open the road,” he said, adding that there is ongoing dialogue between senior police officers and ultra-Orthodox factions. In a statement at the start of the demonstration, police said they support the right to protest in a democracy, but will not allow riots, disruptions to freedom of movement, or behavior that could endanger the public.

The protesters were identified as a small group from the Jerusalem Faction, led by Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, which is considered even more militant than the broader faction. Their loudspeaker call urged supporters to shut down the country if Torah study and faith are targeted, saying factories, offices, and commerce would be stopped to “sanctify God’s name.”

The clash sparked political backlash. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri appealed to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, saying police were acting with harsh force against “boys of Torah.” MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism said the police behavior resembled Turkey or Iran and demanded that the police commissioner and any responsible commanders resign. Opposition leader Yair Lapid attacked Deri and the government, saying the moral stain would not disappear and pledging, “We will return, draft everyone, and bring order to the streets of Israel.”