Dozens of Haredim linked to the Jerusalem Faction blocked Route 4 near Bnei Brak on Wednesday morning for about an hour and a half, causing major traffic disruptions during the rush hour. The sudden closure created heavy congestion, left many drivers waiting for long periods, and led some motorists to confront the protesters.
During the police dispersal operation, clashes broke out between officers and demonstrators. Some police were attacked, and officers used force to clear the road and restore order. Footage from the scene showed a policeman kicking a protester in the head, while other clips showed batons, detainees being dragged away, and clothing being torn during arrests and evacuation. United Hatzalah said medics treated eight lightly injured people for bruises and other injuries, and some were taken to hospitals for further care.
Police said the rally was illegal and that a police commander declared it so before any measures were taken. Officers also directed traffic to alternate routes. Route 4 was blocked in both directions between the Em HaMoshavot interchange and the Aluf Sadeh interchange, and reopened after the protest ended. Police stressed that the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, but not at the expense of public order, road blockages, and freedom of movement.
The incident triggered harsh political backlash. Shas leader Aryeh Deri told Itamar Ben Gvir to “wake up” and stop the police violence, saying such force was not used against Kaplan protesters but is now being used against people who study Torah. MK Meir Porush said the conduct was unworthy of a Jewish state or a democracy and compared it to Turkey and Iran, calling for the police commissioner and any responsible commanders to resign. MK Yoav Ben Tzur accused police of selective enforcement and demanded an immediate internal review. Ben Gvir later said he would hold an urgent discussion after recent incidents involving stun grenades against civilians, and warned that if their use is not limited to exceptional cases, there will be no stun grenades in the police.
