Israeli Police Brace for Major Traffic Disruptions in Central Israel Due to Jerusalem Faction Protest

Israeli police are deploying reinforced forces in the Bnei Brak area ahead of a planned protest by the Jerusalem Faction, a small ultra-Orthodox group, expected this afternoon. The demonstration is in response to recent arrests of yeshiva students, including Israel Gohfi from Kfar Hasidim, who was handed over to military police after an incident in Haifa involving a transit card issue. Additional arrests have occurred recently, such as a student from Atarat Shlomo yeshiva in Holon and Moti Mishkovsky, a student from Netivot Yitzhak yeshiva and grandson of Rabbi Natan Zuckovsky, detained near Ben Shemen Forest.

Police anticipate significant traffic disruptions, including road closures on Highway 4 between Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges in both directions, as well as heavy congestion and partial blockages along Jabotinsky Road through Bnei Brak. These disruptions are expected to affect bus and private vehicle traffic throughout the Dan metropolitan area. Authorities urge the public to avoid these areas if possible, monitor real-time traffic updates via navigation apps, and seek alternative routes.

The Jerusalem Faction protests regularly focus on the issue of yeshiva student conscription and arrests of those who fail to report to recruitment offices. Such demonstrations often involve sudden mass movements onto major roads, causing significant transportation blockages in central Israel. While the security establishment emphasizes the importance of protecting the right to protest in a democratic society, it warns that illegal road blockages and behavior endangering public safety will not be tolerated.