On Wednesday, severe traffic disruptions were reported on Israel’s main arteries, especially Route 1 and Route 6, as protest convoys moved toward the area of Prison 10. Police said the congestion is directly affecting drivers and stems from behavior that does not match the prior understandings reached with protest organizers.
Authorities said the situation has become more dangerous because, at some locations, protesters were seen getting out of their vehicles and walking on the high-speed lanes. Police stressed that this creates a real risk to the protesters themselves and to other road users who must maneuver around people on the highways.
As of now, Route 1 and Route 6 are still not fully blocked, but traffic is moving very slowly. Police said the continued physical disruption of traffic does not comply with the terms previously approved for the organizers.
Israel Police called on protest leaders and participants to act responsibly, stick to the agreements, and avoid infringing on the public’s freedom of movement. The force warned that while it respects the right to protest, if the harm to road users continues or illegal road blockages are carried out, it will act “according to its authority” to preserve public order, public safety, and freedom of movement. Drivers were urged to be patient, check navigation apps, and use alternate routes if possible, as the congestion in central Israel and near Prison 10 is expected to continue for several hours.
