Ultra-Orthodox Protests Expected to Disrupt Traffic in Jerusalem and Gush Dan
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters are expected to block major roads in Jerusalem and Gush Dan starting Thursday afternoon to protest recent draft dodger arrests. The protests were called by leaders of the "Jerusalem Faction" after an incident in Modi'in where soldiers attempting to arrest a draft dodger were surrounded by a large mob. Authorities are deploying additional forces to manage anticipated severe traffic disruptions and potential violence.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters are expected to block major traffic arteries starting Thursday afternoon.
- The protests are a response to a recent wave of arrests of draft dodgers.
- Authorities in Jerusalem and Gush Dan are preparing for severe traffic disruptions.
- The protests were called by leaders of the "Jerusalem Faction" after an incident in Modi'in.
- Over 1,500 protesters surrounded a building and blocked soldiers attempting to arrest a draft dodger.
- The incident led to political controversy and accusations between the police and the IDF.
Thousands of protesters from extreme ultra-Orthodox factions are expected to block major traffic arteries starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, protesting a recent wave of arrests of draft dodgers. Authorities in Jerusalem and Gush Dan are preparing for severe traffic disruptions.
The decision to take to the streets was made following a call from leaders of the "Jerusalem Faction," who declared a "day of rage" to protest the desecration of Torah scholars' honor. Security forces and the Israel Police are deploying in increased numbers at potential flashpoints, including Highway 4 near the Geha Interchange and key intersections entering Jerusalem.
The protests stem from events that occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday in the city of Modi'in. A military police force arrived to arrest Yairi Lieberman, an ultra-Orthodox man classified as a draft dodger. While soldiers waited outside his apartment, Lieberman managed to call for help through an extreme faction digital network designed to prevent arrests. Over 1,500 protesters then surrounded the residential building, broke in, and blocked the soldiers' exit routes.
The situation rapidly escalated to severe violence, necessitating the deployment of large riot police and special patrol units. To prevent loss of life and ensure the safe extraction of forces, a decision was made to release the draft dodger and not complete the arrest. This incident led to mutual accusations between the police and the IDF, sparking political controversy. The police stated their forces were only there to rescue soldiers in mortal danger and that the operational decision to release the draft dodger was made by military police commanders on the ground. Conversely, the IDF claimed the police demanded the release for public order reasons.
Political figures have labeled the events a "national disgrace and loss of control of the rule of law." Opposition figures criticized the government, arguing that political pressure due to the election cycle prevents effective enforcement and legitimizes extremists. Protest organizers have stated they will not remain silent, and their retaliatory action will be traffic disruption in Gush Dan and Jerusalem. The police advised drivers to stay updated via navigation apps from the afternoon onward and to avoid the protest areas in Jerusalem and the Geha axis as much as possible.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Right 2Other 4
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
