Ultra-Orthodox protesters threaten traffic chaos in central Israel during evening rush-hour
Demonstrators plan to block major roads near Bnei Brak on Monday following the arrest of a yeshiva student accused of draft evasion
Ultra-Orthodox protesters are planning to significantly disrupt traffic in central Israel on Monday afternoon over the arrest of a yeshiva student accused of evading the military draft, Israeli media N12 reported.
The demonstration is expected to begin at around 5 pm, likely on Route 4 also known as Geha Road, or Jabotinsky Street, two major roads near Bnei Brak. Similar protests have previously blocked traffic for approximately two and a half hours.
The protest follows the arrest of Israel Gohafi, a student at the Beit Midrash Elyon yeshiva in Bnei Brak who had recently begun studying at a yeshiva in Kfar Hasidim.
Police reportedly stopped Gohafi in Haifa over an issue involving payment for his Rav-Kav public transportation card. Officers then discovered that he was wanted for failing to report for military service and transferred him to the Military Police.
Am Kadosh, an organization that assists those who refuse to enlist, claimed that Gohafi had been “abducted” and taken to a military prison.
The demonstration is being organized by the Hatzafnikim, followers of Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, who have pledged to take to the streets whenever an ultra-Orthodox yeshiva student is arrested for failing to report for military service.
The group confirmed that a protest will take place Monday but has not officially announced its location. Police are nevertheless preparing for major traffic disruptions on roads surrounding Bnei Brak.