Protests Disrupt Traffic in Jerusalem and Central Israel, One Injured

The demonstrations were called by Rabbi Azriel Auerbach in response to the arrest of yeshiva students by military authorities. Dozens of protesters from the Jerusalem Faction gathered in both cities, following advance warnings from the group that they would hold protests at undisclosed, secret locations and close major traffic arteries. According to Ynetnews, authorities worked to manage the situation on the ground, though the expected duration of the road closures remained unclear.

In Jerusalem, the protest took place at the Chords Bridge, completely blocking the entrance to the city. The blockades quickly escalated into road violence when drivers, frustrated by the obstructions, drove directly into the demonstrators. According to Kipa, several youths were struck by vehicles during these altercations at the entrance to the city, though the severity of their injuries was not specified.

Simultaneously, demonstrators blocked Highway 4 in the direction of Bnei Brak, a key artery connecting several cities in central Israel. Video footage from the scene showed protesters descending onto the highway, and according to Kikar HaShabbat, one demonstrator was struck by a vehicle. While Ynetnews reported that the specific reasons for the protest were not immediately clear, other outlets confirmed they stemmed from the draft-related arrests.