Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Blocked En Route to Israeli Police Chief's Home, Escorted Back by Police

On Tuesday evening, three minibuses carrying ultra-Orthodox protesters traveled from Bnei Brak to Zikhron Yaakov intending to demonstrate outside the home of Israel Police Chief Commissioner Major General Danni Levi. Police blocked the road, stopped the protesters, and ordered them to return to the Tel Aviv metropolitan area under police escort.

This protest follows a recent controversy involving Commissioner Levi, who supported Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police station commander Superintendent Yuval Shavit after footage surfaced showing him using violence against ultra-Orthodox protesters. The incident occurred two weeks prior during an attempt to disperse protesters blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in a demonstration against military conscription and the arrest of draft evaders. Shavit was filmed tearing a protester's pants and dragging him on the road. The police announced an independent investigation into allegations of excessive force by officers.

In recent weeks, ultra-Orthodox extremists have repeatedly protested outside police officers' homes over the issue of draft evasion arrests. Earlier this month, dozens stormed the Beit Shemesh police station following an arrest, throwing stones, setting bushes on fire, and attempting to block Highway 38. Police and Border Police responded with batons and stun grenades, arresting eight rioters who were later released.

Additionally, ultra-Orthodox protesters vandalized the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, breaking windows and damaging property to protest the court's stance on ultra-Orthodox conscription. Police detained over 70 protesters during that event.

Two months ago, extremists also breached the home of IDF Military Police Chief Brigadier General Yuval Yamin in Ashkelon, protesting renewed military operations against draft evaders. Police cleared the rioters, arresting 25, with indictments filed against 17. Weeks later, more protesters attempted to storm Yamin's home again but were dispersed with one arrest.

These incidents reflect ongoing tensions between ultra-Orthodox communities and Israeli authorities over military conscription enforcement.