Israeli Police Prepare for Roadblocks on Highway 4 Ahead of Ultra-Orthodox Protest

Israeli police are preparing for significant traffic disruptions on Highway 4 and Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak due to an ultra-Orthodox protest planned for 5 p.m. Monday. The demonstration is in response to the arrest of a draft dodger. Police expect heavy congestion and have announced changes to traffic arrangements, urging the public to avoid these areas and use alternative routes. Officers will be deployed to direct traffic and maintain public order. While affirming the right to protest within the law, police warned they will not tolerate disturbances or threats to public safety.

This protest follows a similar event two weeks ago, when ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak, causing massive traffic jams. During that protest, a soldier was forcibly removed from a crowd of demonstrators in Givat Shmuel, who shouted derogatory remarks at him. Givat Shmuel Mayor Yossi Brodny condemned the incident, calling on ultra-Orthodox leaders to denounce such behavior and support IDF soldiers, emphasizing that soldiers should be able to walk freely without harassment anywhere in Israel.