Police disperse Jerusalem protesters as anti-draft demonstrations block Route 4

Police began dispersing protesters in Jerusalem and closed a stretch of Route 4 near Bnei Brak on Thursday as demonstrations against the arrest of ultra-Orthodox men over military service disrupted traffic.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy instructed commanders to prepare for the protests and act decisively against road blockages and public disturbances, according to statements issued by the Police Spokesperson’s Unit.

“Protest is a right; disturbing public order is not,” Levy said.

The demonstrations followed a call by the Jerusalem Faction, a hardline ultra-Orthodox movement opposed to military conscription, to protest recent arrests of yeshiva students and married religious scholars. Israeli media reported that the group’s leader, Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, had ordered widespread demonstrations in response to the arrests.

In Jerusalem, police said hundreds of demonstrators blocked traffic routes, physically confronted drivers and damaged vehicles. An officer declared the gathering unlawful before Jerusalem District officers, Border Police and specialized riot-control units began dispersing the crowd and clearing roads.

In its latest statements, police described the right to protest as a cornerstone of democracy while warning that demonstrations deemed public disturbances would be dispersed. The force said officers would arrest people suspected of disturbing the peace and would take a “zero tolerance” approach to conduct that endangered public safety or obstructed traffic.

Near Bnei Brak, demonstrators blocked Route 4 at the Coca-Cola Junction. Police said an officer declared the demonstration unlawful before any use of force or crowd-control equipment.

According to the police traffic update, Route 4 was closed in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges. National Traffic Police officers were directing motorists to alternative routes, and drivers were urged to follow updated traffic information.

The protests come amid a prolonged dispute over military service for ultra-Orthodox men. In 2024, the High Court of Justice ruled that there was no legal basis for their blanket exemption from conscription. Subsequent enlistment orders and arrests have prompted repeated demonstrations by opponents of the draft, including road blockages near Bnei Brak. Many ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that military service threatens religious life and interrupts Torah study.