Police accuse anti-conscription protesters of acting dangerously on highways

Sam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

A car decorated with anti-conscription posters prepares to depart for a rally against the imprisonment of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem, June 24, 2026. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
A car decorated with anti-conscription posters prepares to depart for a rally against the imprisonment of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem, June 24, 2026. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The Haredi protest convoys heading from around the country to the Neve Tzedek (Beit Lid) military prison in Kfar Yona have created congestion on several highways, including Routes 1 and 6, with participants acting in a way that endangers other drivers, the Israel Police say in a statement accusing demonstrators of failing to “comply with the agreements previously made with the protest organizers.”

“At several locations, protesters have been observed exiting their vehicles and moving along the traffic lanes, endangering themselves and other road users. The Israel Police calls on the protest organizers and participants to act responsibly, adhere to the established agreements, and operate in a manner that does not harm the freedom of movement of the general public or jeopardize their safety,” the police say.

“The Israel Police respects the right to protest and works to facilitate its realization within the framework of the law. However, if the disruption to road users continues or if unlawful road blockages are carried out, the police will act in accordance with their authority to maintain public order, public safety, and freedom of movement.”

In a statement, organizers of the protest state that they are “receiving reports from drivers regarding police attempts to infringe upon the right to protest, including the issuing of fines.”

“This is a severe attempt to violate a fundamental right in a democratic state, and we will not remain silent. The committee’s legal team will use every available avenue to fight this severe infringement on freedom of expression and protest,” the organizers say.

Footage shared online shows participants in the demonstration holding a public prayer service on Route 2, blocking off lanes to traffic.

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