Thousands sit in traffic as Haredi protesters cut off central highways, block railroad

Thousands of Haredi men blocked central Israel’s major highways and railroads for approximately two hours Thursday night, according to police and first responders. The protests, organized by the Jerusalem Faction, resulted in two injuries after demonstrators were hit by cars on Route 4.

First responders reported that a 93-year-old man suffered a head injury and was hospitalized in moderate to serious condition. A second, younger man was moderately wounded at Ganot Junction on Route 4 after a car crashed into him, medics said.

Which roads and trains were affected by the protests?

Protesters brought traffic to a standstill on Routes 1, 4, and 6, as well as the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and roads in the southern town of Netivot, police said. Police closed Route 4 in both directions ahead of the demonstrations.

Rail services in Tel Aviv also halted after protesters entered the tracks. This forced hundreds of passengers on a train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to disembark at Ben Gurion Airport, according to reports.

The disruptions coincided with heavy traffic from fans traveling to stadiums in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, and Petah Tikva for performances by Omer Adam, Eyal Golan, and Ben Tzur.

Did You Know? The Jerusalem Faction, which organized the demonstrations, consists of approximately 60,000 members and utilizes a “national alert system” to mobilize street action when draft dodgers are arrested.

Why are Haredi men protesting military enlistment?

The Thursday night demonstrations followed the Wednesday transfer of 19 draft dodgers into IDF custody. These individuals had been arrested during a riot outside the home of Supreme Court deputy chief Noam Sohlberg, according to police.

The unrest stems from a 2024 High Court ruling declaring that Haredi men must enlist. Haredi leaders argue that military service threatens their way of life and maintain that Torah study should be viewed as equivalent to military duty.

The Israel Defense Forces have repeatedly warned of an urgent manpower shortage amid the multi-front war following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the clash centers on a fundamental conflict between judicial mandates and religious autonomy. The use of “deserter” yellow stars by protesters suggests an attempt to frame state enlistment orders as a form of systemic persecution.

What happened during the Geha Junction incident?

Channel 12 reported that a woman turned herself in to police after ramming into protesters at Route 4’s Geha Junction. She told investigators she accelerated through the crowd to flee after protesters cursed her and stoned her vehicle.

Haredi protesters block light rail and roads in Jerusalem

This incident contributed to the injury of the 93-year-old protester. Police investigators from the Tel Aviv District are currently questioning the woman.

What may happen next in the enlistment dispute?

Further wildcat street actions may occur if the Jerusalem Faction continues to use its alert system to respond to arrests. Police could increase deployments in central Israel if similar protests are called near detention centers.

The situation is likely to remain volatile as the military continues to issue enlistment orders to thousands of ultra-Orthodox men who have previously ignored them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organized the highway blockades?
The protests were called by the Jerusalem Faction, a group of some 60,000 members.

Why were trains stopped in Tel Aviv?
Trains came to a halt after protesters descended onto the tracks, forcing passengers to disembark at Ben Gurion Airport.

What was the basis for the enlistment orders?
The orders follow a 2024 High Court ruling that declared Haredi men must enlist in the military.

Do you believe the state should treat religious study as a substitute for military service?