Ultra-Orthodox Protest Erupts on Highway 4, Clashes with Police

Ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrating against the arrest of a draft dodger blocked Highway 4 near the Geha Junction on Thursday evening, leading to violent confrontations with police. The protesters, described as "extremist Haredim," blocked the highway in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh and Ein Ha'em Structure interchanges, near Bnei Brak. Police forces were deployed to forcibly disperse the demonstrators and reopen the road. During the dispersal efforts, police used stun grenades, which injured several protesters. The police reported that three officers were injured, including one who sustained a head injury and another whose ribs were broken. "A commander on the ground declared the protest illegal, and despite attempts at dialogue, the rioters continue to gather, shouting at the police forces," a police statement said. Traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Member of Knesset Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, criticized the police's conduct. While Asher stated he opposes road blockades, he added, "One cannot remain silent in the face of the difficult documentation," calling the police's actions a "red line."