Jerusalem Roads Reopen After Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protests Cause Gridlock
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem Faction protests against draft dodger arrests blocked roads into Jerusalem and disrupted traffic for two hours on Thursday. Clashes with police, including the use of stun grenades and a car hitting a protester, were reported. The light rail was also halted. Roads reopened after police cleared the routes and made arrests.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem roads reopened Thursday after two hours of blockades by ultra-Orthodox draft dodger protests.
- The Jerusalem Faction protests caused severe traffic disruptions and halted Jerusalem's light rail.
- Clashes between protesters and police involved stun grenades and a car hitting a demonstrator.
- Police arrested two suspects for assaulting officers after protesters refused to disperse.
- The Shas party officially distanced itself from the disruptive protests.
Roads leading into Jerusalem were reopened Thursday evening after being blocked for approximately two hours by protests organized by the Jerusalem Faction, an ultra-Orthodox group. The demonstrations were held against the arrest of draft dodgers and caused severe traffic disruptions in the capital and other locations across the country. The light rail service in Jerusalem was also temporarily halted due to the protests.
According to reports, the Jerusalem Faction had announced the protests in advance, but police were reportedly unprepared for the scale of the demonstrations. Once major routes were blocked and disruptions began, the Police Commissioner ordered commanders to respond decisively to clear the roads. Heavy traffic congestion was reported in the Jerusalem area and on other highways.
During the protests, clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces. Footage showed police forcibly removing protesters and using stun grenades, reportedly against instructions from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A car was also filmed accelerating towards protesters, hitting and lightly injuring an ultra-Orthodox youth. Another video showed a truck speeding towards the demonstrators.
In Bnei Brak, a bystander who interfered with police activity and tore a police loudspeaker cable was arrested. During the forceful arrest, he lost consciousness and required medical attention. Police worked to clear blocked routes and restore traffic flow.
Israeli police stated that protesters blocked main roads, shouted insults like "Nazis" at officers, and refused to disperse even after the gathering was declared illegal. Police reported that after negotiation attempts failed, crowd dispersal measures were used, and two suspects were arrested for assaulting officers. At the entrance to Jerusalem, special forces rescued a soldier who had been surrounded by dozens of protesters.
The Shas party issued a statement distancing itself from the protests and road blockages, emphasizing the party's state-oriented stance and support for soldiers.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Right 3Other 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
