Ultra-Orthodox protesters from the extremist Jerusalem Faction are blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in central Israel to protest the arrest of a draft evader who failed to report for IDF service. The demonstrators blocked northbound traffic from the Aluf Sadeh Interchange and southbound traffic from the Em HaMoshavot Interchange on Monday afternoon.
The protesters were heard shouting: "We will die rather than be drafted."
Haredi protesters block Highway 4
As early as 3 p.m., police urged drivers to avoid the area. Authorities also said the protest was expected to cause traffic congestion and road closures along Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak.
The protesters gathered following the arrest of draft evader Yisrael Guhafi, a yeshiva student whom the Am Kadosh organization - an active response group and alert network run by the Jerusalem Faction - claimed had been “abducted to military prison.”
He had switched yeshivas in recent days and, while traveling to the new institution, was detained over what was described as a “problem with his Rav-Kav” public transportation card. After his identity was established, he was handed over to the Military Police.