Clashes Erupt at Haredi Protest on Highway 4, Several Injured

Extreme Haredi protesters demonstrated on Highway 4 near Bnei Brak on Thursday evening, blocking the Geha Junction. The protest was against the arrest of a draft dodger in Jerusalem the previous week. Police forces declared the demonstration illegal and engaged in violent clashes with protesters to disperse the crowd. Social media footage showed police forcibly removing demonstrators, with reports indicating the use of stun grenades and several protesters sustaining injuries. The police stated that officers on the ground declared the protest unlawful and that despite attempts at dialogue, the rioters continued to gather, shouting at the police. Police forces are continuing their operations to maintain public order. The protest led to the closure of Highway 4 near the Um Al-Fahm interchange, causing massive traffic jams. Light rail stations in Petah Tikva were also blocked, and train services in the area were temporarily halted. Police advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes.