Israel Police report approximately 1,000–1,200 vehicles are participating in protest convoys across the country Wednesday evening, according to reporter Dan Fisher (N12). Police blocked the entrance to Kfar Yona on the route leading to Prison 10. In Arad, police and Border Police are working to restore order after a brawl broke out in a residential area linked to the Haredi protests.
Wednesday evening, Israel Police formally estimated 1,000–1,200 vehicles are participating in Haredi protest convoys nationwide, as reported by N12's Dan Fisher. This is the first official law-enforcement figure since the convoys began earlier Wednesday. Police have blocked the entrance to Kfar Yona on the route to Prison 10 in Hadera, where draft evaders are held. In Arad, police and Border Police are working to restore order after a brawl broke out in a residential area linked to the protests.
Earlier in the day, at 16:52 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the start of the slow-roll protest on Highway 1, with organizers claiming it would expand to 19 junctions. By 16:52, police confirmed traffic jams on Highways 1 and 6, and by 17:57 Jerusalem, organizers claimed over 8,000 vehicles on Route 38 alone — though police's later estimate of 1,000–1,200 vehicles is the only official count. At 18:17 Jerusalem, a separate convoy near Haifa stopped and drivers began dancing. The Arad brawl was first reported at 18:18 Jerusalem.
As The Zioneer reported over the past weeks, the protests stem from the arrest of Haredi draft evaders, with previous incidents including highway blockades, train disruptions, and confrontations with drivers — such as the June 11 violence on Highway 4 and a June 12 incident in Ashdod where hundreds of Haredim blocked police.
The full scope of the convoy wave remains unclear: police's estimate of 1,000–1,200 vehicles is significantly lower than organizers' claim of over 8,000 on one route. The Arad brawl's cause and number of detainees are not yet reported.
6 developments
- DevelopingDozens of vehicles in protest convoy arrive near Kfar Yona, Prison 10
- DevelopingHaredi protest convoy organizers claim over 8,000 vehicles on Route 38
- DevelopingDrivers advised to stay home Wednesday afternoon amid slow-protest convoy
- DevelopingPolice block Kfar Yona entrance amid protest convoy heading to Prison 10
Source and signal
- Internal intake