Jerusalem Faction Blocks Central Israel Roads in Protest Over Draft Evaders' Arrests

The Jerusalem Faction is blocking several roads in central Israel today, Thursday, in protest of the arrest of yeshiva students and deserter yeshiva students. Route 4 was blocked at the Gנות Interchange, the Geha Interchange and the Aluf Sade Interchange, and Route 6 was blocked at the Ben Shemen Interchange. Additional demonstrators are making their way to the site, but are still stuck on the roads because of heavy traffic congestion. As a result of the prolonged blockages on these routes, beatings and severe physical clashes were reported between angry drivers and protesters on Route 4.

The Jerusalem Faction said, "As we warned and cautioned in advance, at this very moment the main transportation arteries of Gush Dan and central Israel have been blocked by thousands of Torah scholars and God-fearing Jews, who have come out in a tremendous cry of protest over the desecration and humiliation of the honor of the Torah in the Land of Israel, and over the throwing of dozens of Torah learners behind bars like the lowest criminals." The blockages on Route 6. Photo: Courtesy of the photographer.

According to statements from the police and the Jerusalem Faction, several major transportation arteries in the central region are currently blocked because of the protest: the Gנות Interchange has been completely blocked in all directions, Route 1 toward Tel Aviv and toward Jerusalem, as well as Route 4 in both directions. The protest at the Geha Interchange, Jabotinsky. Photo: Kobi Israel. Route 6 is blocked in both directions along with a blockage near the Ben Shemen Interchange, and the Geha Interchange, Jabotinsky axis, is blocked in both directions.

During the unrest at the scene, unusual footage was recorded from the Gנות Junction, showing stun grenades being thrown by police into the protesters. Stun grenades thrown by police. Photo: Tuvia Yagelnik.

In addition, Israel Railways traffic was temporarily stopped in the Gנות Interchange area on police instructions, because protesters entered the rail tracks contrary to instructions and while endangering their safety, and there were delays on train lines throughout the country. At the same time, the Airports Authority announced earlier that, because of the protests, traffic congestion and disruptions to access are expected on roads leading to Ben Gurion Airport. The blockage at Gנות. Photo: Daniel Grobייס.

The Jerusalem Faction announced a demonstration in central Israel only, with shuttle buses leaving from Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Ashdod, Bnei Brak, Modi'in Illit, Elad and Achisamach. Today's protests come after 19 deserters who took part in the protests outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg were handed over to the Military Police last night. Yesterday, demonstrations were also held outside Nitzan Prison, the Russian Compound, Hadarim Prison and Abu Kabir Prison, and the extremist faction "Edah HaChareidis" also joined the protests and declared an obligation to go out to a "war of annihilation with self-sacrifice." The protest in Netivot. Photo: Police spokesperson.

The protest also expanded in recent minutes to the southern region. Police said: "A short time ago, dozens of rioters began blocking the Mazar Junction, Routes 34 and 25, near the city of Netivot. Police forces in the southern district and Border Police officers are preparing to disperse the rioters, and drivers and road users are asked to follow the instructions of the police at the scene. Please avoid coming to the area and choose alternative routes."

Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, MK Avigdor Liberman, responded to the protests: "While IDF soldiers are fighting in Lebanon, the terrorist organization known as the Jerusalem Faction is confronting the security forces, blocking major roads and harming the citizens of Israel, those who serve in the IDF, do reserve duty, work and pay taxes. When we return to power, I promise, I will work to have them outlawed." Liberman at the faction meeting. Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Earlier today, attorney Menachem Shtoaber wrote to Police Commissioner Superintendent General Danny Levi and warned of selective enforcement and unlawful discrimination against ultra-Orthodox protesters, בעקבות the recent protest events, where, according to him, a series of serious incidents took place in violation of the law. In his letter, he said that during the recent demonstrations the police acted illegally with a heavy-handed and disproportionate response toward the ultra-Orthodox protesters, using severe violence, pepper spray and stun grenades. Attorney Shtoaber demanded that the commissioner examine the conduct of the forces in the field, instruct restraint in the use of violent means, and ensure that the rights of the protesters and freedom of expression are preserved without discrimination.