Jerusalem, 28 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A 20-year-old Ashdod resident was arrested Friday after allegedly driving a stolen car through the Ofer checkpoint on Route 443 between Ramallah and Jerusalem. During the inspection, authorities discovered that he was also a military deserter.
The “Kidnappers Have Arrived” hotline sent a voice message to tens of thousands of Haredim, urging them to come to the checkpoint near Jerusalem and stop the arrest, and dozens blocked Route 443 to prevent police from handing the detainee over to military police.
The suspect remained inside a police vehicle, while protesters blocked officers. Border Police and Judea and Samaria District police are working to restore order and reopen the road.