3 days ago
Highway 4 opens to traffic following Haredi protests over IDF draft arrest
The demonstrations come amid heightened tensions surrounding the state's policies on military conscription and ongoing failures in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.
After several hours, highway 4 has opened to traffic following hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocking the roads to protest several recent IDF arrests of draft dodgers.
Simultaneously, IDF veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) launched a separate protest, blocking the Ayalon Highway in central Tel Aviv.
The demonstrations come amid heightened tensions surrounding the state's policies on military conscription and ongoing failures in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.
The Israel Police announced ahead of time that significant disruptions to traffic were expected due to the planned protests. Officers were deployed across affected areas to maintain order and redirect vehicles.
Itzik Saidyan: 'We are not prepared for what's coming'
Among those participating in the Tel Aviv protest was Itzik Saidyan, a former IDF soldier who sustained psychological trauma during his service in Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Saidyan made national headlines in 2021 when he set himself on fire outside the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division in Petah Tikva, in protest of the state's treatment of disabled veterans.
Speaking at the demonstration, Saidyan warned of an impending mental health crisis following the war in Gaza.
'We must put an end to this. The real wave is still ahead of us; after the war comes the trauma. We are not prepared. If this continues, suicides will increase. Every one of these people has a family, siblings, and parents. There is indifference in the Rehabilitation Division. These heroes who sacrificed everything for the country deserve better treatment.'
In an interview last week with Maariv, Saidyan said the current system is overwhelmed:
'We are in a state of emergency. There has been a sharp rise in PTSD cases among combat soldiers, and the system is incapable of responding with its current resources.'
Haredi protest over conscription intensifies
Meanwhile, the Haredi protest, led by the Jerusalem Faction, was organized in response to the arrest of two yeshiva students who refused to enlist in the IDF. Protesters blocked major intersections and roads, with the primary gathering taking place near Bnei Brak. A separate demonstration was expected in Jerusalem.
The protest was titled 'They Stand Over Us to Destroy Us,' and was led by senior Haredi figure Rabbi Moshe Tzedaka. Police reported that the demonstration, initially scheduled for 4:00 p.m., was delayed, causing heavy traffic congestion on Highway 4 and Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak.
In preparation for the protest, police closed Highway 4 in both directions between Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavot. Additional disruptions were reported at the Geha Interchange and surrounding areas.
The Israel Police urged the public to avoid the area and to use alternative routes.
'The police support the right to protest in a democratic society, but demonstrations must be held within the boundaries of the law,' a police spokesperson said. 'Any acts that disrupt public order or endanger civilians will not be tolerated.'
Ultra-Orthodox launch 'black alert' system
As part of their growing campaign against conscription, the Jerusalem Faction recently launched a system dubbed 'Black Alert' to mobilize thousands of supporters whenever a draft-eligible yeshiva student is arrested. They also rolled out a new promotional campaign offering a NIS 5,000 raffle prize to any draft-eligible individual who refrains from enlisting. The raffle is reportedly to be held at the home of a prominent rabbi.
Slogans on campaign posters include: 'We've got your back, winning the battle,' and 'I'm a proud draft dodger.' Organizers also encouraged business owners to offer discounts to recipients of draft notices.
Demonstrators accused the police of discriminatory enforcement, claiming that authorities treat Haredi protesters more harshly than those participating in anti-government demonstrations on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv.
'The police only act violently against us, not against the Kaplan protesters who block roads and burn tires,' one protester claimed.
Haredi leadership declares unprecedented struggle
Earlier Thursday, leading Haredi rabbis convened at the home of Rabbi Dov Landau to formulate a response to the arrest of draft dodgers. During the meeting, Haredi leaders issued a joint statement condemning the state's conscription policy:
'The State of Israel has declared war on the Torah scholars. The global Haredi community will launch an unprecedented struggle.'
In addition, Haredi institutions are bracing for further financial pressure, as Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara is reportedly preparing a directive that would strip National Insurance discounts from yeshiva students who avoid military service, thereby raising their social security payments significantly.
