Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Plan Roadblocks Over Draft Evasion Arrests in Central Israel

Members of the extremist ultra-Orthodox group "HaRatzpanim," affiliated with the Jerusalem faction, are preparing to block Highway 4 near the Geha and Givat Shmuel interchanges and Bnei Brak on Thursday. Later in the evening, a demonstration by the Sanz Hasidic community is scheduled outside Prison 10, with participation from the community's Rebbe and rabbis, protesting the arrest of two draft evaders from their sect.

The police announced that from 4:00 PM, traffic arrangements on Highway 4 between Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot in both directions may be altered. Traffic congestion and blockages are also expected on Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak. Authorities advised the public to use alternative routes, stay updated, and avoid these areas.

These protests come amid a Supreme Court freeze on a recently passed coalition law aimed at halting arrests of draft-evading yeshiva students until November 30, after the upcoming elections. Legal sources told Kan News that the law is likely to be annulled and will not take effect before the elections.

A senior official from Agudat Yisrael criticized Shas chairman Aryeh Deri for pushing the law despite knowing it would not withstand Supreme Court scrutiny, accusing him of exploiting the issue for political campaigning while the ultra-Orthodox community faces ongoing incitement.

Additionally, violent clashes occurred during the ultra-Orthodox protests outside Prison 10. Separately, an organization opposing ultra-Orthodox conscription reportedly receives donations through a charity for the needy.