Haredi anti-draft protest causes major traffic disruptions nationwide

A nationwide car protest by hardline Haredi activists began in recent hours and is already causing severe disruptions across Israel. The protest, carried out under the slogan, "Enough! There is no way without the way of the Torah!", is focused on opposition to military conscription and enforcement.

Israel Police issued an unusual warning, saying heavy congestion is expected to worsen in the coming hours. Drivers were urged to plan routes in advance and use alternatives where possible, as the main bottlenecks are on Highway 1, Highway 2, Highway 4 and Highway 6.

The protest received prominent political backing from the outset. Knesset members Meir Porush and Yisrael Eichler went directly to the protest sites to stand with demonstrators and publicly support the action. Their presence was described as giving the protesters significant momentum as they prepared for a prolonged stay on the roads and a broad blocking effect affecting tens of thousands of drivers.

Alongside the traffic disruption, organizers distributed propaganda materials and unusual protest signs aimed at the political leadership. Among them were placards showing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dressed in military police uniform. According to the organizers' plan, the blockade map and congestion are expected to expand as the hours pass, with vehicles set to depart in a coordinated manner from 19 locations nationwide, including Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh and Ashdod, as well as additional sites in the north and south.