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Protesters Block Major Highway in Israel Over Draft Evasion Arrests
On Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters from the Hertzpenikim faction blocked Highway 4 near the Gan Yavne interchange in central Israel. The surprise demonstration caused severe traffic jams and confrontations between drivers and protesters. The group, led by Rabbi Zvi Friedman, initiated the blockade earlier than its originally scheduled afternoon time.
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What happened
- 01Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters from the Hertzpenikim faction blocked Highway 4 near Gan Yavne on Sunday morning.
- 02The surprise protest was sparked by the arrest and 20-day military prison sentencing of two yeshiva students for draft evasion.
- 03The arrested students were identified as Yedidya Mizrahi from the Ohr Hachaim yeshiva and Yonatan Mustakis.
- 04Protesters claimed the arrested students were prevented from contacting Tzeva Shahor, an organization that helps prevent draft arrests.
- 05The demonstrations, ordered by Rabbi Zvi Friedman, were moved up from their originally scheduled afternoon time.
- 06Significant traffic disruptions and confrontations between drivers and demonstrators were reported during the morning rush hour.
- 07Further blockades are expected from 4:00 PM at the Geha Junction, Gannot Interchange, Bnei Brak, and Giv'at Shmuel.
- 08Police have deployed additional forces to manage the demonstrations and direct traffic in the affected areas.
The protests were sparked by the arrest of two yeshiva students, Yedidya Mizrahi from the Ohr Hachaim yeshiva and Yonatan Mustakis, in Rishon LeZion. The IDF classified both students as draft evaders and sentenced them to 20 days in military prison. Protesters claimed that during their apprehension, the two students were prevented from contacting Tzeva Shahor, an organization that mobilizes activists to prevent the arrest of draft evaders.
Further demonstrations and road blockades are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the Gush Dan and central regions, particularly starting at 4:00 PM. Anticipated blockade points include Highway 4 in both directions near Bnei Brak, the Geha Junction, the Gannot Interchange, and the access roads to Giv'at Shmuel. Police have deployed additional forces to manage the protests and traffic.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Behadrei Haredim. Read Behadrei Haredim’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- CentreNone
- Right1
- Haredi2
- ArabNone
Not in the Left, Centre or Arab press
