Violent Street Clashes Erupt During Anti-Draft Protests in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh

On Sunday evening, intense confrontations broke out during anti-draft protests in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, escalating into violent street clashes and major public disorder. In Jerusalem, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Shvitat Yisrael Street, blocking key traffic routes and completely halting the light rail service between Givat HaTahmoshet and the City Hall station. The protest quickly turned into a mass disturbance, prompting a large deployment of Jerusalem District police, Border Police, and riot control units. Police officers issued loudspeaker warnings demanding the immediate clearing of roads, but when ignored, they launched enforcement actions to disperse the crowds and reopen traffic.

Earlier in the day, a similar protest in Beit Shemesh saw demonstrators blocking Highway 10 and Rasdo Square, causing severe traffic jams and requiring significant police presence until order was restored. These protests against the military draft law have repeatedly disrupted transportation across Israel in recent months. The ongoing unrest reflects widespread opposition to the conscription law, with frequent demonstrations turning into violent clashes nationwide. The Jerusalem incident adds to a series of recent protests challenging the draft legislation.

Previously, the Tel Aviv Small Claims Court ruled against compensation claims related to delays caused by protest-related roadblocks, emphasizing the complex reality of protests and the limited liability of companies affected by such disruptions.