Major roads blocked across Israel as Haredi protesters clash with police over military draft arrests

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) demonstrators protested across the country on Wednesday, following the arrest of three Haredis who had deserted military service.

As part of the protests, major traffic routes in central Israel, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and other locations were blocked for several hours.

In Bnei Brak, Route 4 was blocked for a significant period, from the Morasha Junction to the Aluf Sadeh Junction.

During the blockade, police at the scene addressed the demonstrators, who had sat down on the road, stating, “This is an illegal protest. You have five minutes to clear the road. Anyone who refuses will be arrested.”

The protesters responded with chants, “We will die before we enlist, prison over the army.”

In Jerusalem, Haredi protesters blocked roads at several sites, including the Chords Bridge, Har Hotzvim, and Begin Road. According to a statement from the police, “An officer announced to the demonstrators that this was a public disturbance and an illegal protest. The rioters began assaulting officers violently, throwing bottles at them, and refusing to comply with police instructions.”

As a result of the protests, entry and exit from Jerusalem via the Chords Bridge were blocked to vehicle traffic by late afternoon. The blockage was cleared after several hours.

Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, who gave the directive to begin the protests, told the rabbis of the “Committee to Save the Torah World”:

“This is truly an hour of destruction – everything is about to be uprooted – and it’s happening with the disgraceful consent of those who call themselves Haredim. Everyone understands today that our master Rabbi Shmuel, of blessed memory, foresaw this danger and cried out against it. And after him, our master Rabbi Asher, of blessed memory. It is our duty to stand up and fight for our very souls against this terrible decree – the draft decree.”