Nearly 10,000 haredi draft evaders block central Israel highways
Approximately 10,000 Haredi draft evaders blocked Highway 57 at the Beit Lid and Kfar Yonah intersection on Wednesday afternoon, stalling traffic in the Sharon region. According to reports, the protests follow claims by the Jerusalem Faction that yeshiva students are being transferred to the military from Military Prison 10.
How did the protests affect local traffic and schools?
The Emek Hefer Regional Council cancelled all after-school activities due to the disruptions. In a council statement, officials warned that road closures were expected until 9 p.m. along Route 57, Tnuvot Junction, and Beit Lid Junction.
Earlier on June 17, 2026, protesters from the Jerusalem Faction temporarily blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in both directions. Israel Police confirmed that officers dispersed the crowd by approximately 10 a.m.
Five demonstrators were arrested during the Highway 4 incident. Two individuals were lightly injured and evacuated to Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva. Video footage seen by The Jerusalem Post appeared to show drivers exiting their vehicles to confront the protesters.
Why are Haredi protesters targeting Military Prison 10?
Protesters congregated outside Military Prison 10, where some Haredi individuals arrested for attacking the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg are being held. MK Yitzhak Goldknopf was in attendance at the site.
The Jerusalem Faction (Peleg Yerushalmi) claims that yeshiva students released from detention following the protests at Justice Sohlberg’s home are now being handed over to the military. The group stated that five students have already contacted their families from Military Prison 10.
What are the political reactions to the unrest?
Shas Chairman Arye Deri criticized the police response, calling the violence “unacceptable.” Deri urged National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to “wake up,” arguing that citizens are being treated as criminals simply for studying Torah.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded by criticizing the incumbent government. Lapid accused Deri of sending his own children to block roads while other children “fight and die for the country.” He stated that this “moral stain” persists with the consent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir.
Israel Police issued a statement asserting that while the right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy, they will not allow “riots of any kind, disruptions to freedom of movement, or any behavior that may endanger public safety.”
What may happen next?
Further disruptions are likely. A senior official in the Jerusalem Faction told Walla that the group will “shut down the country” and that next steps will be “far more significant.”
The Jerusalem Faction also issued a statement warning of preparations for a “significant and dramatic escalation” in protests that could begin as early as tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Jerusalem Faction block the highways?
The protests were sparked by claims that yeshiva students released from detention after protests at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s home are now being transferred to the military.
Which areas experienced the most significant traffic disruptions?
Traffic was stalled for hours in the Sharon region, specifically along Highway 57 at the Beit Lid and Kfar Yonah intersection, Tnuvot Junction, and Highway 4 near Bnei Brak.
What was the outcome of the Highway 4 protest?
Israel Police dispersed the protesters by 10 a.m. Five people were arrested, and two were lightly injured and taken to Beilinson Campus.
Do you believe the government can resolve the tension between religious study and military service requirements?