Elad Municipality Upgrades City Entrance and Closes Gate on Shabbat to Prevent Clashes

Following violent clashes last Saturday at Elad's city entrance, the municipality has initiated significant upgrades to the gate and announced it will be fully closed during Shabbat starting this coming weekend. The decision aims to prevent a recurrence of the confrontations between yeshiva students and drivers that occurred when vehicles continued entering the city despite Shabbat restrictions. The security department, under Mayor Yehuda Botbol's directive, is leading the gate improvements. Emergency vehicles will be allowed entry only through the exit gate under a special arrangement.

Last weekend, the gate remained open, allowing cars to enter Elad during Shabbat, which prompted dozens of yeshiva students from "Torah BeTifarta" and "Knesset Yechezkel" to protest the violation of Shabbat. The protests escalated into violent clashes overnight, resulting in injuries to several students, one of whom required hospitalization. Police have since launched an investigation and are collecting testimonies from the students involved.

The Elad municipality emphasized its commitment to preserving the city's religious character while ensuring full security and emergency response capabilities. The gate closure and upgrades are part of broader efforts to maintain public order and respect for Shabbat in the city.