Mass traffic disruptions expected as ultra-Orthodox protest convoys hit major highways

From 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, severe traffic disruptions are expected across Israel because of the ultra-Orthodox “car protest,” with the biggest impact likely on Highway 6. Police and the Traffic Department are preparing for heavy congestion and are urging drivers to use alternate routes whenever possible.

Thousands of vehicle owners from across the ultra-Orthodox public are expected to travel in organized convoys from 19 cities, stretching from Safed in the north to Arad in the south, toward the military prison known as Prison 10 near Beit Lid. The main protest routes are expected to include Highway 1, Highway 2, Highway 4, Highway 6, Route 443, Route 57 and the Ayalon Highways, where convoys are expected to move slowly and effectively choke major traffic arteries during the afternoon and evening.

As of 3:00 p.m., traffic was already heavy on Highway 1 in both directions, on Highway 2 northbound, on Highway 4 in both directions, on Highway 40, Highway 41, Highway 471, Route 443, Route 444, Highway 531, and on roads in the north and south including Highways 4, 65 and 70 and Highway 4 near Ashkelon. Officials warned that as the convoys merge, disruptions could spread to additional junctions and roads not initially included in the plan.

The protest organizers said, “We will not sit quietly while our brothers are behind bars for studying Torah, and while yeshiva students and kollel students are being pursued in the streets.” Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert, who is also on the organizing committee, said the ultra-Orthodox community cannot be trampled and argued that its rights must be protected. He also said the anti-government protests in Kaplan taught the ultra-Orthodox what is and is not allowed, adding, “What they allow them to do, they will allow us to do too.”