Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Plan Roadblocks in Central Israel Over Draft Dodger Arrest

Ultra-Orthodox protesters are scheduled to demonstrate today at 5 p.m. in central Israel to protest the arrest of a draft dodger in Haifa. The protest is expected to include roadblocks on Highway 4 and other roads in the area. About two weeks ago, similar protests by ultra-Orthodox groups blocked Highway 4 for approximately three hours.

During that earlier demonstration, a Haredi soldier passing near the entrance to Givat Shmuel was attacked by dozens of protesters, requiring police intervention to rescue him. Additionally, about a month ago, ultra-Orthodox protesters assaulted a Tel Aviv resident near the home of the State Attorney, Gali Baharav-Miara, during a protest. The victim, Idan Ben David, recounted in a Kan News interview how he was called a "dog" and physically attacked while trying to get home safely.

These incidents have raised questions about the stability of the alliance between the ultra-Orthodox community and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially as protests continue over the arrest of draft dodgers.