Ultra-Orthodox protest blocks rail line and major roads, leaving two injured

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked the rail line near Tel Aviv HaHagana station and several major roads in central Israel on Thursday evening, disrupting trains and traffic for about two hours. Police worked to clear the blockages and direct vehicles, while video from the scene showed a confrontation between a truck driver and protesters.

According to the report, a roughly 93-year-old passerby was moderately injured when a car drove through protesters blocking Jabotinsky Road in Petah Tikva near the Geha interchange. He was taken to Beilinson Hospital with a head injury. In a separate incident on Highway 1 near the Ganot interchange, a 21-year-old protester was also moderately hurt and evacuated with injuries to his limbs and head.

The footage released from the scene shows the truck driver confronting protesters while holding an iron bar, and protesters responding with kicks and punches as the dispute escalated on the road. Police said they were continuing efforts to remove the demonstrators and restore traffic flow.

Because protesters entered the track area near Ganot, police ordered the section between the station and Lod to be closed, and train service in the area was stopped until the tracks were cleared. Israel Railways said the unauthorized entry created a serious safety risk, caused temporary suspension of service, and led to delays, disruptions and crowding on lines nationwide.

Police added that several major routes across the country were blocked as part of the ultra-Orthodox protest. MK Meir Porush blamed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Justice Yosef Elron, saying their conduct had brought "evil" on the Jewish people and warning that it could lead to civil war.