Ultra-Orthodox Block Traffic in Israel Due to Arrest of Draft Dodgers
Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to arrests of those evading military service.
In Israel, thousands of representatives of the ultra-Orthodox community (Haredim) participated in mass protest actions against the arrests of young people evading military service. The demonstrations led to serious disruptions in transportation and effectively paralyzed traffic on several key highways in the country.
According to reports from local media, protesters blocked the entrance to Jerusalem at the String Bridge, several major highways in the area of the Ganot transport interchange, as well as roads near Safed and Ofakim. In addition, a group of participants went onto the railway tracks at Ganot and blocked train movement in central Israel.
The railway company was forced to temporarily stop service on this section. It is noted that some of the protesters were brought to the protest sites by buses.
During the protests, demands were heard to cancel the conscription of students from religious educational institutions into the army and to stop the persecution of those who refuse to perform military service. Participants in the actions also opposed the implementation of decisions by Israeli judicial authorities on this issue.
Israeli police reported that its officers are working to restore public order and unblock roads. The department noted that the actions of the protesters led to serious violations of citizens' normal life and created significant difficulties for transportation. Drivers are asked to "use alternative routes where possible, show 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 (@israelpolice) June 1, 2026
Israel Police officers are operating at multiple locations to restore public… pic.twitter.com/vAq3GowDnM
As the Union of Orthodox Journalists wrote, in Israel, ultra-Orthodox stormed the house of the head of military police.
