Israeli Police Warn of Traffic Disruptions Ahead of Ultra-Orthodox Protest on Route 4

The Israeli police have issued a warning about expected traffic congestion due to a planned protest by the "Jerusalem Faction" of the ultra-Orthodox community. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday from 4:00 PM on Route 4, protesting the arrest of a draft-dodging yeshiva student. Traffic jams are anticipated between Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot in both directions, with possible roadblocks on Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak.

Police from the Dan District will be present to direct traffic and maintain public order. Authorities advise drivers to use alternative routes and stay updated on traffic conditions to avoid the affected areas. Navigation app Waze has also issued alerts warning of delays on Jabotinsky, Emil Zola, Aryeh Shenkar, and HaYetzira streets between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

This protest follows a recent period of relative calm after weeks of frequent road disruptions by ultra-Orthodox groups protesting arrests of draft dodgers. Although the Knesset recently passed a law to cancel arrests of draft evaders, the Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction freezing the law due to four petitions filed against it.