Violent confrontations erupted Thursday on Route 4 near Bnei Brak during a demonstration by ultra-Orthodox protesters against the arrest of draft dodgers. Footage from the scene shows police forcibly removing demonstrators who blocked the major highway, with intense physical clashes between officers and protesters.
The demonstration shut down Route 4 in both directions. Netivei Israel, the national road company, reported that northbound traffic was blocked at the Aluf Sadeh interchange, while southbound traffic was blocked at the Em HaMoshavot interchange. Police had earlier announced heightened deployment ahead of the protest and warned drivers of significant traffic disruptions on Route 4 between the Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges.
Police also warned of heavy congestion and possible closures on Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak. Officers worked to restore order and prevent further disruption to commuters, facing ongoing confrontations with protesters who refused to clear the roadways.
Meanwhile, another demonstration in Jerusalem caused severe traffic disruptions across the capital. During the Jerusalem protest, a driver was filmed accelerating toward demonstrators and lightly injuring a young ultra-Orthodox man, according to our correspondent Yehuda Aharoni. Shortly after, a truck was also filmed accelerating toward the protesters. Following the incidents, light rail service in Jerusalem was suspended, creating heavy traffic congestion throughout the city.