Highway 4 near Bnei Brak closed as Peleg Yerushalmi protest blocks traffic

Haredi protesters clash with Israeli police over draft-dodger's arrest

Police said protesters continued gathering despite attempts at dialogue, while the Jerusalem Faction accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of using officers to retaliate for his party's election losses

Haredi protestors block traffic after draft dodgers arrested

Following the arrests of two yeshiva students, the Jerusalem Faction plans mass protests as police prepare to close Highway 4 and other roads near Bnei Brak.

Highway 4 near Bnei Brak closed as Peleg Yerushalmi protest blocks traffic

The road closures are between the Aluf Sadeh and Em Hamoshavot interchanges in both directions, and along Bnei Brak's Jabotinsky Road.

VIOLENCE ERUPTS: Police Hurl Stun Grenades at Chareidi Protesters Near Bnei Brak, More Than 25 Injured

Violent clashes broke out Thursday afternoon near Bnei Brak when police used stun grenades to disperse a demonstration organized by the Yerushalmi Faction against the arrest of a yeshiva bochur, leaving more than 25 people injured and at least ten requiring hospitalization, including several suffering from head injuries. The confrontation erupted approximately an hour after demonstrators gathered along Highway 4 near the entrance to Bnei Brak. Police officers attempting to clear the area began throwing stun grenades toward protesters, and disturbing footage from the scene showed injured demonstrators receiving emergency medical attention, with some lying on the roadway bleeding from their wounds. United Hatzalah reported treating more than 25 people for injuries classified as minor, including both protesters and police officers. Several of the wounded were evacuated to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The demonstration was organized following last week’s arrest of Alon Smadja, a bochur at Yeshivas Tiferes Shraga in Yerushalayim, who was detained by military police over his army draft status. The protest was held under the direction of Rav Tzvi Friedman, amid growing concerns within the Yerushalmi Faction about reports of a planned wave of arrests targeting yeshiva bochurim who have not reported for military service. Smadja was arrested last week outside his home in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Yerushalayim. According to reports, military police officers telephoned him and claimed that a delivery was waiting for him at the entrance to his building. When he came downstairs to collect the supposed package, officers placed him under arrest. Thursday’s demonstration quickly developed into a major confrontation as police sought to prevent protesters from blocking Highway 4, one of the busiest traffic arteries in central Israel. Police had prepared in advance for possible disruptions along the highway between the Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot interchanges in both directions, as well as significant congestion along Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak. As tensions escalated, officers declared the demonstration unlawful and moved to disperse the crowd. “A police officer at the scene declared the demonstration illegal, and despite attempts at dialogue, the rioters continue to gather at the location while shouting at police forces. Police forces are continuing their operations,” police said in a statement. Authorities subsequently reported that an officer had suffered a head injury after being struck by a stone allegedly thrown by a demonstrator. The police response generated immediate outrage, particularly after videos emerged showing officers striking chareidi demonstrators and injured protesters being carried away for medical treatment. A senior police official quoted by Kikar HaShabbat accused Police Commissioner Danny Levy of allowing political considerations to influence the handling of the demonstration following Tuesday’s Knesset elections. “The shocking images of police officers beating chareidim on Highway 4 reflect Police Commissioner Danny Levy’s desire to please the left following the right’s defeat in the elections. He is already preparing for Yair Golan to take office as national security minister,” the official alleged. Representatives of the Yerushalmi Faction also issued a furious response, directing their criticism at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. “Ben Gvir is using the police to take revenge for the election results. We will hold everyone responsible for this accountable. Chareidi blood is not free for the taking,” they declared. United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yaakov Asher condemned the violence and demanded immediate action against officers accused of using excessive force. “Although we oppose road blockages, we cannot remain silent in the face of the disturbing footage showing protesters, including a young man with special needs, lying on the ground, injured and bleeding. Such conduct crosses a red line that cannot be ignored,” Asher said. “I call on Police Commissioner Danny Levy to act immediately and summon for disciplinary hearings the officers who acted unlawfully and with severe violence,” he added. The clashes caused extensive traffic disruptions around Bnei Brak, with police maintaining a substantial presence along Highway 4 as emergency responders continued treating the injured. {Matzav.com}