Clashes Near Bnei Brak: Police and Haredim Injured in Protest

Seven people, including three police officers and four Haredi protesters, were injured on Thursday evening during clashes near Bnei Brak. The confrontations erupted during a demonstration on Highway 4 protesting the arrest of a Haredi youth for evading military service. Police used stun grenades to disperse the protesters, leading to road closures and transportation disruptions.

According to Israeli police, one officer sustained a head injury and another a rib injury. Four protesters were also injured. The demonstration followed a two-week military prison sentence handed down to a young Haredi man for draft evasion.

Some Haredi circles accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of using the police for retribution against the Haredi community due to the results of the Knesset elections. Sources within the community claimed Ben-Gvir is using the police to retaliate for the election outcomes.

Conversely, Ben-Gvir criticized Police Inspector General Dany Levy, accusing him of altering his approach to the Haredi community post-election to curry favor with potential future governing parties. Ben-Gvir stated Levy is acting to appease the incoming government and impress Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, calling it part of Levy's "new agenda to flatter the leftists." He expressed regret that Levy, who had previously complied with his demands for 18 months, was now acting against the Haredi community in a way that made them "his punching bag."

Traffic was significantly impacted, with Highway 4 closed in both directions near the Aluf Sadeh intersection. Congestion was reported at the Gan Raveh intersection, and police warned of further traffic jams on the Jabotinsky axis in Bnei Brak. Light rail stations in Petah Tikva were also closed, and service on one line was reduced due to the protests. Police deployed officers from the Dan region to manage traffic and maintain order, advising drivers to use alternative routes and avoid protest areas.