Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Major Roads in Tel Aviv Area Over Yeshiva Draft Arrests

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters are currently blocking the Geha Junction and Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in central Israel. The demonstrations are in response to the arrest of yeshiva students who failed to report to military recruitment offices, following directives from leading rabbis. These roadblocks have caused severe traffic disruptions, prompting a large police presence to maintain public order and prevent a complete shutdown of one of the region's main arteries.

The Israeli police have announced a full closure of Highway 4 between the Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges in both directions, anticipating heavy congestion and additional blockages along Jabotinsky Road leading to and from Bnei Brak. Officers from the Dan District have been deployed at key points to direct traffic and urge drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Later this evening, a significant protest by the Sanz Hasidic community is planned outside Military Prison 10. This demonstration follows the arrest of a young member of the Sanz sect and is expected to draw a large crowd. The current wave of protests stems from a series of recent arrests of ultra-Orthodox youths labeled as draft dodgers for not reporting to enlistment offices as required by Israeli law.