Massive Ultra-Orthodox protest convoy expected to paralyze roads across Israel

Starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, severe traffic disruptions are expected nationwide as a convoy protest by the ultra-Orthodox community rolls out from dozens of locations in 19 cities from north to south. Police traffic officials urged drivers to postpone nonessential trips and told protesters, “We will not allow public disorder.” Netivei Israel also advised motorists to avoid the protest areas whenever possible.

The demonstration, organized by the Gur Hasidic dynasty, Israel’s largest Hasidic court and a major force in United Torah Judaism, is being held against Haredi enlistment in the IDF, arrests of draft dodgers and cuts to funding. The plan calls for a large vehicle caravan to leave simultaneously from 19 cities and travel slowly toward Prison 10 near Kfar Yona, circle it, and return. The protest launch points are Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze’ev, Haifa, Hatzor HaGlilit, Jerusalem, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Emmanuel, Afula, Arad, Safed, Kiryat Gat and Rehovot.

Traffic police said Highway 6 is expected to be hit especially hard, alongside Highway 1 and Highway 443 toward Jerusalem, Highway 4, Highway 20, the Ayalon routes, and Highway 57. Officials said the disruptions could spread later in the evening to additional roads and intersections, depending on how the convoys move and merge.

Police said they will permit lawful protest but not “anarchy on the roads” or any threat to public safety. They urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in the protest zones, and to follow live traffic updates. Netivei Israel and the National Traffic Management Center are working with police and emergency services, while Magen David Adom said it has deployed extra ambulances and intensive care units. In Kfar Yona, authorities said they do not intend to let the protesters enter the city.