Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders

"Haredim" stopped a train at the Ganot junction in Israel. Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

Thousands of members of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community (Haredim) took part in mass protests against the arrest of young men evading military conscription. The demonstrations caused major transportation disruptions and effectively brought traffic to a standstill on several of the country’s key routes.

According to local media reports, protesters blocked the entrance to Jerusalem near the Chords Bridge, several major highways around the Ganot Interchange, and roads near Safed and Ofakim. A group of demonstrators also entered railway tracks near Ganot, halting train traffic in central Israel.

Israel Railways was forced to suspend service on the affected section of track. Reports indicate that some protesters were transported to the demonstration sites by bus.

During the protests, participants demanded an end to the conscription of students from religious educational institutions and called for the authorities to stop prosecuting those who refuse military service. Demonstrators also voiced opposition to the enforcement of court rulings on the issue.

Israeli police said officers were working to restore public order and reopen blocked roads. Authorities noted that the protesters’ actions had caused serious disruption to daily life and created major difficulties for transportation across the affected areas. Drivers were urged to “use alternative routes where possible and exercise patience and caution.”

Over the past several hours, individuals engaged in public order disturbances have blocked major traffic routes in Jerusalem and across central Israel, causing significant disruptions to daily life.

Israel Police officers are operating at multiple locations to restore public… pic.twitter.com/vAq3GowDnM

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) June 1, 2026

As previously reported by the UOJ, ultra-Orthodox demonstrators in Israel stormed the home of the head of the military police.

Read also