Clashes Erupt in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh as Protesters Block Roads and Set Fire on Light Rail Tracks

On Monday evening, violent protests by extremist factions erupted in multiple locations across Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, sparked by the arrest of draft evaders. Demonstrators blocked major traffic routes, ignited fires on the light rail tracks, and caused significant traffic disruptions in the affected areas. The main protest sites included Bar Ilan Street and Chaim Bar-Lev Boulevard in Jerusalem, as well as Yehuda HaNasi Boulevard in Beit Shemesh, where heavy traffic congestion forced many drivers to seek alternative routes.

According to police reports, protesters threw objects, obstructed roads, and refused to comply with police orders to disperse. After repeated warnings from a police officer went unheeded, security forces began using crowd control measures to disperse the demonstrators. Jerusalem district police and Border Police units continue to operate at several hotspots to clear the protesters, reopen roads, and restore public order.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the protest areas and use alternative routes until the situation is resolved.