Ultra-Orthodox protest convoys trigger severe traffic disruptions across Israel

Severe traffic disruptions began Wednesday afternoon as ultra-Orthodox protest convoys set out from dozens of points in 19 cities across Israel. The action, launched at 4 p.m., is aimed at protesting military conscription, arrests of draft evaders, and cuts in funding. Organizers instructed participants to drive at a steady speed of about 50 kph and keep double the usual following distance to avoid sudden braking and chain collisions.

The plan is for the convoys to travel slowly to Prison 10 near Kfar Yona, circle it, and return. The protest was initiated by Gur Hasidism, the largest Hasidic court in Israel and the most powerful force in United Torah Judaism. Departure points include Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Zeev, Haifa, Hatzor HaGlilit, Jerusalem, Modiin Illit, Nof HaGalil, Netanya, Emmanuel, Afula, Arad, Safed, Kiryat Gat and Rehovot.

Traffic police warned that Highway 6, Israel’s main north-south artery, is expected to be hit especially hard, along with Highway 1 and Highway 443 toward Jerusalem, Highway 4, Highway 2, Ayalon Highway 20 and Highway 57. Police said they would allow the right to protest but would not tolerate public disorder or anything that endangers safety, and urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.

The preparations came after reporting by ynet about a deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni. United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf said the deal would not help yeshiva students, and threatened on Radio Kol Berama that “one day we will turn the country upside down.” Magen David Adom said it had also completed preparations, with ambulances and mobile intensive care units deployed where heavy congestion is expected. In Kfar Yona, local authorities said they were preparing to block protesters from entering the city.