Ultra-Orthodox Protest Road Closure Over Draft Evasion Arrests

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters from the "Jerusalem Faction" blocked Highway 4 at the Gan Yavne junction on Sunday morning, protesting the arrest of draft evaders. The demonstration, which was not coordinated with the police, led to clashes between the protesters and other citizens. Police forcibly dispersed the demonstrators after about an hour and a half, using stun grenades. The protest coincided with preparations for another demonstration planned for later that day on the same highway. Protesters stated that the protest location was chosen to "make them pay" in response to the arrest of two draft evaders over the weekend. Police Commissioner General Dany Levi warned against road closures and public disorder, vowing firm action against anyone blocking traffic arteries. Similar clashes occurred two weeks prior during ultra-Orthodox protests against draft evader arrests, which also involved blocking major roads in central Israel and Jerusalem.