Jerusalem Faction Protesters Block Route 4 Over Yeshiva Student's Military Extradition

A protest by the Jerusalem Faction began recently on Route 4 near the entrance to Bnei Brak, triggered by the arrest of yeshiva student Moshe Steiner. Steiner was questioned by police on suspicion of criminal offenses and was extradited to the military police due to desertion. Protesters are blocking the road and distributing yellow star stickers labeled "Haredi." Prior to the protest, police proactively closed the road, causing significant traffic jams in the area.

Police announced possible traffic changes on Route 4 from Aluf Sadeh to Em HaMoshavot in both directions, as well as potential congestion and blockages on Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak. Earlier, police clarified that contrary to reports that Steiner was summoned merely to give testimony, he was investigated as a suspect in serious offenses. During the investigation, it was revealed that he was also a military deserter, leading to his transfer to military authorities as required.

Members of the Haredi community expressed anger over the police statement, criticizing it as an inadequate response to the growing distrust between the police and the Haredi public regarding desertion arrests. They questioned the severity of the charges, noting that if Steiner were truly dangerous, he would have been arrested more aggressively. They also questioned the logic behind extraditing him to the military based on suspicion of a civilian offense.

It was revealed that Steiner was summoned to a warning interrogation at Lahav 433 on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent driving license issuance. He allegedly facilitated unqualified individuals obtaining licenses by having others take their driving tests. During the investigation, police discovered his military desertion status, prompting his handover to the military police.