Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators gathered at the Maccabim Crossing after an attempt to issue a traffic ticket to a yeshiva student. Reports from the scene quote protesters saying: "You wanted to give a ticket — you'll get anarchy. That's how it works today."
A crowd of hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters is now gathered at the Maccabim Crossing Thursday morning, after an attempt to issue a traffic ticket to a yeshiva student. Protesters at the scene warned: "You wanted to give a ticket — you'll get anarchy. That's how it works today." The demonstration follows an earlier, separate protest at the same crossing that began after midnight and escalated into vandalism of a police vehicle.
As The Zioneer reported from the outset (1st report, Thu 02:03 Jerusalem), the protest was triggered by a traffic ticket given to a resident of Modi'in Illit in his 20s for driving a car without a valid vehicle inspection. In that initial confrontation, the crowd damaged a police vehicle and slashed its tires. Reports from police and IDF statements have not yet specified whether any arrests were made or if charges have been filed. The same thread reported that police and IDF forces were operating at the scene throughout the night.
This is the second outbreak of unrest at the Maccabim Crossing within hours, both linked to a single traffic enforcement action. The current crowd appears larger and more confrontational, with protesters openly threatening a breakdown of order if police continue to issue tickets.
It remains unclear whether the yeshiva student who was issued the ticket is the same individual as the earlier Modi'in Illit driver, or whether this is a separate incident. No official statement from police or the IDF regarding the current gathering has been published as of early morning.
5 developments
- StrongHaredi protesters block highways, halt trains across central Israel
- DevelopingHaredi protesters block bus carrying soldiers near Jerusalem, police intervene
- StrongHaredim block Jerusalem road in protest over draft dodger arrest report
- StrongHaredi protesters block Jerusalem light rail, clash with civilians as Sephardic rally begins
Source and signal
- Internal intake