Jerusalem Faction Protest Blocks Route 4 at Geha Interchange Over Yeshiva Student Arrests

A large demonstration by the Jerusalem Faction is currently blocking Route 4 at the Geha Interchange following the arrest of yeshiva student Israel Gohfi, who was transferred to military police custody. The protest erupted after Gohfi, a student at Kfar Hasidim Yeshiva, was detained in Haifa due to a technical issue with his public transport card and subsequently suspected of desertion. The Israeli police have deployed reinforced forces in the area, directing traffic and maintaining public order, while warning of possible further road closures and heavy congestion on Route 4 between Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges, as well as on Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak.

This protest follows a similar arrest last Friday of Mordechai Mishkovsky, a student at Netivot Yitzhak Yeshiva in Tel Aviv and grandson of prominent rabbi Nathan Zuckowski. Mishkovsky was detained near Beit Shean and handed over to military police. The Jerusalem Faction, led by Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, has called on supporters to protest these arrests, which they view as unjust. The "Am Kadosh" organization, assisting the detainees, described the arrests as "kidnappings" to military prison and is providing legal support to the families.

The police emphasized their respect for the right to protest within the law but warned they would not tolerate disturbances, obstruction of free movement, or any behavior endangering public safety. They advised the public to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes. The protests highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the military conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students in Israel.