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Israeli Police Chief Orders Crackdown on Road Blockades
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Police Commissioner Dani Levy ordered commanders to act with a firm hand and zero tolerance against protesters who block roads and disrupt public order. The directive followed a protest by ultra-Orthodox extremists on Highway 4 near the Yavne interchange.
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What happened
- 01Police Commissioner Dani Levy ordered a zero-tolerance policy and a firm hand against protesters blocking roads.
- 02The directive followed a protest by ultra-Orthodox extremists from the Jerusalem Faction on Highway 4.
- 03Protesters blocked Highway 4 near the Yavne interchange in both directions for about 90 minutes on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- 04The Jerusalem Faction organized the demonstration to protest the weekend arrest of two draft dodgers.
- 05The blockade caused major traffic jams and led to clashes involving protesters, police, and civilians trying to clear the road.
- 06Commissioner Levy stated that the Israel Police will not allow disruptions to public order or the daily lives of citizens.
The demonstration was organized by the Jerusalem Faction to protest the weekend arrest of two draft dodgers. Protesters blocked the highway in both directions for approximately 90 minutes, causing significant traffic jams and disruptions.
During the blockade, bystanders and civilians caught in the traffic attempted to clear the protesters from the road, leading to clashes before the highway was eventually reopened. Commissioner Levy emphasized that while the police acknowledge the right to protest, they will not permit road closures that interfere with the daily routines and safety of citizens.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Mignews. Read Mignews’s originalThe coverage
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Israeli Police Chief Orders Crackdown on Road Blockades