Police have closed Route 4 to traffic in both directions ahead of ultra-Orthodox demonstrations expected to draw thousands of protesters to central Israel.
The north-south highway, a main artery that traverses the eastern part of the Tel Aviv region, is blocked from Hashiva Junction near Holon to Messubim Junction about 3.5 kilometers (roughly 2 miles) further north.
The protests are expected to cause major traffic jams tonight, which will only be exacerbated by the thousands of concertgoers traveling to Tel Aviv for three major music performances in the city.
The protests were announced by the hardline Jerusalem Faction after police transferred some 17 draft evaders to IDF custody yesterday. Similar demonstrations were held last night outside detention centers in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in protest of the move.
Major congestion is also expected on routes leading to Ben Gurion Airport, as the group calls on its followers to demonstrate in the area. The airport has advised those trying to make their flights to arrive by train, rather than by bus or car.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, June 11, 2026
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