From the Liveblog of
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Haredi protesters blocking major highway scuffle with cops; 3 said arrested
Masses of Haredi protesters blocking Route 4 near Bnei Brak are clashing with police, as the demonstration against the arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders grows rapidly in several locations.
Police have arrested three demonstrators so far, Channel 12 reports.
Protesters in three separate spots on the major highway have managed to block traffic in both directions, as officers and Border Police fighters use force to disperse the demonstrators.
Police are mostly seen dragging protesters off the asphalt and to the highway’s shoulders. But one video appears to show several officers repeatedly kicking a young Haredi man when he is already on the side of the road.
???? הפגנת הפלג הירושלמי כעת מתחת לגשר קוקה קולה ביציאה מבני ברק, כביש 4 לדרום ולצפון חסום לתנועה מלאה. pic.twitter.com/2KwFPDQgSb
— Asslan Khalil (@KhalilAsslan) December 28, 2025
The demonstration was called for 4 p.m. today by the hardline Jerusalem Faction group, known for organizing stormy protests against the conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, amid a national debate over the issue.
The protest is on behalf of Haredi men who were arrested for not complying with draft orders.
Protesters hold signs that read, “Our children’s souls will not be abandoned to politicians,” and “It is better to die Haredi and not live as a secular Jew.”
Police have declared the demonstration unlawful and are directing drivers to alternate traffic routes amid the heavy congestion.
At the moment, riot police have taken a pause in trying to clear protesters off the road, as hundreds are still blocking rush-hour traffic.
The Times of Israel Community.