Provocative signs appear at Jerusalem and Ashdod entrances amid ultra-Orthodox protest

Ultra-Orthodox extremist activists hung signs overnight at the main entrance to Jerusalem from Route 1, in the Sacherov Gardens area, declaring that entry is forbidden to the military police and Israel Police and warning, “Caution prevents disaster.” Similar signs were also put up at the entrance to Modi'in Illit.

The displays were posted against the backdrop of ongoing protests over the arrest of yeshiva students. In Ashdod, a separate unusual banner was hung overnight at the Bnei Brit-Moshe Sneh intersection, saying, “Entry is forbidden to the military police and Israel Police,” alongside a phone number and the words, “I am a proud deserter.” The banner drew considerable attention from drivers and residents passing by.

The incidents come amid a worsening rift between the Israel Police and the ultra-Orthodox public. The chairman of United Torah Judaism instructed his party’s representatives in local authorities to sever all ties with the police, and the Forum of Ultra-Orthodox Local Authority Heads informed the police commissioner that cooperation had been suspended.

For its part, the police said arrests would continue as usual. Indeed, an attempted arrest on Route 7 last night led to dozens of protesters gathering at the scene. It was not immediately reported whether local authorities had removed the signs.