Police Prepare for Ultra-Orthodox Protests Blocking Highway 4 Near Bnei Brak

The Israeli police announced on Wednesday afternoon their preparations for planned protests by extremist ultra-Orthodox groups at 4:00 PM near Bnei Brak. The demonstrations are in response to the arrest of a draft dodger. Authorities expect Highway 4 to be closed in both directions from the Aluf Sadeh interchange to Em HaMoshavot, with possible blockages on Jabotinsky Road as well. The public has been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Police emphasized that while the right to protest is a fundamental democratic principle and protests are permitted within legal boundaries, they will not tolerate any disturbances or actions that endanger public safety or freedom of movement. Approximately three weeks ago, thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered near Prison 10 to oppose continued detention of draft dodgers and the failure to pass legislation regulating military service for yeshiva students. At that rally, United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf warned the crowd, "The situation is collapsing, there will be a disaster here."