Road blockades have begun in the Bnei Brak area as Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters demonstrate against IDF conscription, according to a single report. The protest follows a police announcement on Thursday of traffic changes ahead of expected demonstrations.
Road blockades have begun in Bnei Brak as Haredi protesters demonstrate against IDF conscription, confirming earlier reports of planned closures. As of Thursday afternoon, police had announced traffic changes at 15:54, and by 15:59 reports indicated Highway 4 was closed in both directions. Subsequent reports from N12 showed protesters also blocking Jabotinsky Street and the Geha Interchange.
The development follows a police announcement at 15:54 on Thursday of traffic changes in Bnei Brak ahead of expected protests, as The Zioneer reported. At 15:59, initial reports said Highway 4 was closed between the Aluf Sade and Em Hamoshavot interchanges, later attributed to a Haredi protest. Within minutes, reports escalated: protesters were blocking Highway 4 at the Geha Interchange, and then also Jabotinsky Street, according to N12. The initial police statement was the first official confirmation; subsequent reports from the scene provided increasing detail and corroboration.
The protest is part of a broader wave of Haredi opposition to conscription. As The Zioneer reported on Thursday, police had anticipated extremist Haredi protests and implemented traffic changes. Earlier this week, the 'Mothers on the Frontline' group threatened to block entrances to Bnei Brak and other Haredi cities, warning 'blockades will be met with blockades.' Previous clashes and counter-protests have occurred in the city over the past weeks.
The duration of the current blockades and any police response or arrests remain unconfirmed. The full scope of the protest and its traffic impact beyond the reported junctions is not yet clear.
6 developments
- DevelopingHaredi and left-wing activists block Highway 4 in joint protest
- StrongHaredi protesters block Jerusalem light rail, clash with civilians as Sephardic rally begins
- StrongDrivers lose patience, attack Haredi protesters on Highway 4
- StrongHaredi protesters block highways, halt trains across central Israel
Source and signal
- Internal intake