Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Highway 4 Over Draft Evasion Arrest in Bnei Brak

Extreme ultra-Orthodox protesters from the Jerusalem Faction blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in protest against the arrest of a draft evader who failed to report for IDF service. The protesters blocked the highway northbound from the Aluf Sadeh interchange and southbound from the Em HaMoshavot interchange. By 3 p.m., police urged drivers to avoid the area due to the blockade. Authorities also warned of expected traffic congestion and additional closures on Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak.

The demonstration was sparked by the arrest of Israel Gochfi, a yeshiva student affiliated with the "Am Kadosh" organization. Protesters claimed he was "kidnapped to a military prison." Gochfi had recently transferred to a new yeshiva and was detained while en route due to a "Rav-Kav card malfunction," which led to his identification and handover to military police.