Ultra-Orthodox Protests Erupt Nationwide, Driver Hits Demonstrator

Extreme ultra-Orthodox factions held protests across Israel on Thursday, causing significant traffic disruptions. The current wave of demonstrations was triggered by the arrest of two draft dodgers, with additional arrest attempts by the Israel Police and Military Police ongoing. In Jerusalem, a driver struck and lightly injured a demonstrator near the entrance to the city before being apprehended by police. The protests led to clashes with police, but traffic routes in Jerusalem were eventually reopened.

The demonstrations, concentrated in four main areas including Jerusalem and Bnei Brak, involved blocking roads and chanting slogans directed at ultra-Orthodox Knesset members. Participants received specific instructions via internal communication channels, including advice to bring a spare yarmulke and wear old clothes, and to partially button shirts in anticipation of physical confrontations with law enforcement.

Police Commissioner Dany Levy stated that while protest is a right, public disorder is not, and the police will not permit road blockages or disruptions to citizens' lives. He emphasized that any protest turning into a disturbance will be dispersed and arrests will be made. Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman criticized the protests, calling the participants "Netanyahu's partners, draft dodgers" who are disrupting citizens' commutes, and vowed that the situation would end on October 27th, with road blockers jailed.

One protest in the Mór Institute area concluded after approximately three hours. The protests caused severe traffic jams, particularly on Highway 4, with police working to clear the roads and direct drivers to alternative routes.