Ultra-Orthodox Protest Convoys Expected to Snarl Traffic Across Israel Today

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters are expected to stage a convoy protest on Wednesday afternoon against the arrest of draft evaders. About 2,000 vehicles are set to leave from 19 locations across the country and drive slowly toward Prison 10 in Beit Lid, near Kfar Yona. Unlike earlier protests, organizers and police do not currently expect widespread road closures or major violence.

The protest is being driven this time by larger Hasidic groups, rather than the more radical Jerusalem Faction that led earlier demonstrations near Prison 10. In recent hours, messages calling on people to join have spread through dozens of Hasidic communities. Organizers say the action will be orderly, but they have warned participants that stopping and blocking roads could lead to police fines.

The convoys are scheduled to set off at 4 p.m. from cities including Tzfat, Haifa, Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Modi'in Illit, Kiryat Gat and Arad. Under the police-approved plan, each convoy will travel in the right lane at a steady speed of about 50 km/h. Police say the main traffic pressure should build on Route 1 near Ben Gurion Interchange, Route 4 near Geha, Gannot, Aluf Sadeh and Im HaMoshavot, Route 6 near Ben Shemen, Kesem and Nitzanei Oz, as well as Route 20, Route 40 and Route 440.

Heaviest congestion is expected between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Route 57 near the Netanya-Kfar Yona interchange. The protest is expected to end around 8 p.m. in Kfar Yona, and police are advising drivers to avoid nonessential travel on major roads during those hours. They say Israel Railways is the best alternative, with normal service expected for now, though crowding is likely.

Tensions remain high because Kfar Yona residents and the city’s mayor have said they may block entry to the city if the convoy reaches it. Police have at this stage asked protesters not to enter the city and to remain outside. Even so, organizers say the protest is meant to be fully orderly, while also warning that any interference with one of the convoys could trigger road closures in response.