Protesters affiliated with the Jerusalem Faction are blocking the Ben Shemen interchange, according to reports. Police and traffic authorities are likely responding at the scene.
The Ben Shemen Interchange, a major junction on Highway 1 southeast of Tel Aviv, was blocked by protesters from the Jerusalem Faction (the hardline ultra-Orthodox group) shortly before 17:35 local time. The demonstration appears to be part of a broader pattern of protest actions by the group, which has staged similar blockades in recent weeks over conscription issues and other policies. Traffic disruptions on the key artery between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are expected to be significant. No reports of arrests or violent clashes have emerged so far.
3 developments
- StrongJerusalem faction calls for mass protest, free transport across central Israel this afternoon
- DevelopingPolice declare Haredi protest illegal, move to disperse rioters
- DevelopingJerusalem 'Edah Charedit' joins protest against military enlistment, shutting down its kolels
- DevelopingPolice clear Haredi protesters, reopen Jerusalem roads
Source and signal
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