Ultra-Orthodox Protests to Cause Major Road Closures Across Israel

Drivers in central Israel and Jerusalem should prepare for severe traffic congestion and widespread disruptions starting Thursday at 4:00 PM. The "Committee to Save the World of Torah," associated with extremist Haredi factions, announced large-scale protests and the blocking of major routes in the Gush Dan region and the capital, following instructions from Rabbi Azriel Auerbach. This wave of protests was triggered by the arrest of two yeshiva students declared draft dodgers. One was apprehended overnight in Be'er Sheva, while the other was detained in Eilat and transferred to military police. Protesters intend to significantly disrupt traffic on main transportation arteries, creating massive gridlock during the busy afternoon and evening hours. The call for road closures comes amid a sharp escalation in tensions surrounding the enforcement of the military draft law. Earlier this week, a notable incident occurred in Modi'in, where military police attempting to arrest a draft dodger faced strong resistance. Following the activation of the Jerusalem Faction's "Black Flag" emergency hotline, hundreds of protesters converged on the scene, confronting soldiers and physically preventing the arrest. The forces eventually had to leave the area under police escort without the individual. Given past experiences with the faction's protests, the combination of blocking major roads, such as Highway 4 and city entrances, is expected to cause extensive traffic chaos. Police are preparing with reinforced units, and drivers are advised to monitor traffic reports and plan alternative routes in advance.