Haredi protesters blocking Highway 4 have dispersed and the road reopened to traffic, according to reports. Shas leader Aryeh Deri warned National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that he "cannot stand idly by" against what he described as police violence.
The protest that blocked Highway 4 in both directions has ended, and the road has been reopened to traffic. The demonstration was part of a wave of Haredi protests against the arrest of draft evaders that has escalated over the past week.
Shas leader Aryeh Deri directly challenged National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, saying: "We cannot stand idly by in the face of the police violence." The statement marks a significant political intervention by Deri, who has generally sought to moderate tensions between the ultra-Orthodox community and law enforcement during the current protest wave.
The earlier phase of these protests saw confrontations between drivers and demonstrators on Highway 4 on Thursday, as well as police using water cannons and stun grenades to reopen Highway 6 that same day. Multiple roads across the country experienced disruptions, with police declaring the gatherings illegal before taking enforcement measures.
The broader context: The Haredi protests began after authorities arrested draft evaders, triggering demonstrations at major junctions and in Jerusalem. Despite the open conflict with police, organizers have called off some protests, and authorities have released at least one detainee amid community celebrations. Deri's warning to Ben Gvir signals growing political pressures within the coalition over law enforcement's handling of the protests.
2 developments
- DevelopingShas chairman Deri slams Ben Gvir: 'Wake up' — police act against Torah learners, not anarchists
- StrongDrivers lose patience, attack Haredi protesters on Highway 4
- DevelopingHaredi activist Ami Ashd arrives at Highway 4 blockade, carried by supporters
- DevelopingHaredi activists block Highway 4 in Ashdod, force police to release draft deserter
Source and signal
- Internal intake