Haredi groups plan to block roads in the Bnei Brak area starting at 16:00 today, protesting the arrest of a draft evader who was reportedly transferred to military police after giving testimony at Lahav 433, according to Ynet. The blockades are expected to focus on Highway 4 and Jabotinsky Street, with additional locations possible.
Haredi groups, led by the hardline Jerusalem Faction, are planning to block roads in the Bnei Brak area starting at 16:00 today (Wednesday) in protest of the arrest of a draft evader who was reportedly transferred to military police after giving testimony at Lahav 433, according to Ynet. The blockades are expected to target Highway 4 and Jabotinsky Street, with additional locations possible.
The protest follows the escalation in the story since Tuesday evening. At 20:36 Jerusalem on Tuesday, The Zioneer reported that Haredi activists had announced renewed protests after police arrested a draft evader, following a High Court order that froze the government's law halting such arrests. Later that same evening, the Jerusalem Faction confirmed it would hold an afternoon protest in central Israel and subsequently warned of planned traffic blockages.
The current wave of protests is part of a broader campaign by the Jerusalem Faction against the enforcement of conscription. Previous demonstrations have included blockades of Highway 4. As The Zioneer reported on July 16, a protest blocking that route ended with two arrests and a police officer lightly injured. In another incident on June 11, drivers attacked Haredi demonstrators during a blockade. The Jerusalem Faction has also been known to mobilize quickly to prevent arrests, as occurred in an incident on June 29, when military police withdrew from an arrest attempt after the faction gathered protesters.
The precise scale of today's planned demonstration and the police response remain unclear. The authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
6 developments
- DevelopingJerusalem Faction reports attempted arrest of Haredi draft evader in Kadima Tzoran, urges protest
- StrongHaredim block Jerusalem road in protest over draft dodger arrest report
- DevelopingHaredi protesters try to block extradition of draft evaders to military police in Jerusalem
- StrongPolice forcibly clear 'Jerusalem Faction' protesters blocking Highway 4
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