Thousands of Haredi protesters plan convoy blockades across Israel over draft arrests

Starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, thousands of Haredi drivers are expected to launch protest convoys from dozens of locations across Israel, demanding the release of yeshiva students arrested for draft evasion. The convoys are planned to head toward Prison 10 and are intended to create unusual traffic jams on major roads.

The protest comes amid rising tension between the Haredi public and law enforcement over enforcement of compulsory military service. In recent weeks, demonstrations have already taken place at various sites around the country after the arrests of young Haredi men who did not report to enlistment offices.

The initiative is being led by figures identified with the Agudat Yisrael party. According to one organizer, the protest is expected to involve at least 3,000 vehicles. He said the stated destination is the area of Prison 10, but added that it is not certain all participants will manage to reach it. He also said the protesters are funding the travel themselves, without outside help.

The organizing committee issued a statement demanding the immediate release of the detainees and an end to enforcement against Torah students, saying the Haredi public would not stay silent while yeshiva students were behind bars. Security officials, meanwhile, say the arrests are routine law enforcement carried out in line with government decisions and court rulings. Police and transportation authorities are preparing for heavy congestion on major routes through the afternoon and evening.