Jerusalem, 8 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Hundreds of Haredi protesters demonstrated Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem and central Israel against the renewed arrests of Haredi draft evaders, blocking major roads and disrupting public transportation.
According to Israeli media reports, protesters blocked Route 4 near Bnei Brak, while hundreds gathered at Jerusalem’s Chords Bridge, blocking the capital’s main entrance. Light rail services were also disrupted.
The demonstrations were organized by the hardline Jerusalem Faction following several recent attempts by Military Police to arrest Haredi draft evaders. In Modi’in and Bat Yam, groups of protesters reportedly surrounded security forces and prevented arrests.
The protesters chanted, “We will die and not enlist,” while police deployed additional forces to restore traffic and public order. The protests were expected to cause severe congestion on major routes in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.