Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Route 4 in Bnei Brak Following Arrests
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked Route 4 near Bnei Brak on Tuesday evening following two arrests, which police stressed were criminal and unrelated to military draft evasion.
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters took to the streets of Bnei Brak on Tuesday evening, shortly after polling stations closed for the 26th Knesset elections, following the arrest of two individuals.
Police clarified that the arrests in Bnei Brak, which triggered protests and road blockages, were conducted strictly for criminal reasons and were not related to military draft evasion. During operational activities in the city, two suspects were arrested for obstructing police officers in the line of duty and disturbing the public peace. They were subsequently taken in for questioning.
Protests quickly escalated as demonstrators attempted to block Route 4 near the Giv'at Shmuel interchange. Large police forces arrived at the scene and began clashing with the protesters, causing heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
Crowds rushed to the location following reports of the arrests, urging people to activate the "Tzeva Ahor" network—an alert system operated by the Jerusalem Faction designed to rapidly mobilize demonstrators and counter the detention of yeshiva students. Several protesters sustained injuries and received initial medical treatment at the scene. Police forces remain deployed in large numbers to restore public order and clear the blockages.
