Yeshiva Students Arrested Near Eilat, Sparking Violent Protests
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Two yeshiva students were arrested near Eilat for traffic violations and being draft dodgers, leading to protests. Two other students were previously arrested and sentenced to military prison. Demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near Yavne, resulting in clashes and police intervention with water cannons and stun grenades. Police Commissioner Danny Levi vowed "zero tolerance" for disruptions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two yeshiva students arrested near Eilat for traffic offenses and draft dodging were transferred to military police.
- The arrests triggered protests, including a blockade of Highway 4 near Yavne, leading to clashes.
- Police used water cannons and stun grenades to disperse protesters, with civilians also engaging violently.
- Police Commissioner Danny Levi declared "zero tolerance" for those disrupting public order.
- Two other yeshiva students were previously arrested and sentenced to 20 days in military prison.
Two yeshiva students were arrested near Eilat over the weekend on suspicion of traffic offenses, including speeding and running a red light, and were subsequently handed over to military police as they were considered draft dodgers. The arrests occurred shortly after two other yeshiva students, Yedidya Mizrahi and Yonatan Mustaki, students of Rabbi Reuven Elbaz's "Or Hachaim" yeshiva, were arrested on Thursday in Rishon Lezion and sentenced to 20 days in military prison for being absent without leave.
In response to the arrests, a group identified as "Ratzpanyim," reportedly under the direction of Rabbi Zvi Friedman, organized protests. On Sunday morning, demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near the Yavne interchange, leading to clashes with drivers stuck in traffic. The protesters claimed the action was a "price tag" response to the Rishon Lezion police handing over the students to military authorities.
The police deployed a water cannon and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that civilians attempted to restore order with significant violence against the protesters, while the police remained largely uninvolved. Police Commissioner Danny Levi instructed commanders to act decisively against any attempts to block roads or disrupt public order, stating there would be "zero tolerance" for such actions.
The police issued a statement advising drivers to avoid the area, use alternative routes, and follow officers' instructions.
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