Israel Police are preparing for nationwide protests on Wednesday as ultra-Orthodox activists launch vehicle convoys to demonstrate against mandatory military enlistment. Starting at 4:00 p.m., demonstrators from 19 cities—including Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Haifa—plan to disrupt major transit routes. Organizers, led by Agudat Yisrael and the Jerusalem Faction, demand the release of detained draft evaders and an end to current enlistment policies, while defense officials maintain they are simply enforcing existing law.
Why are the protests happening now?
The demonstrations are organized by Agudat Yisrael, a faction within United Torah Judaism, with support from the Jerusalem Faction. According to the organizing committee, the protest aims to secure the “immediate release of all detainees of the Torah world” and halt arrests of men marked as draft evaders. Organizers stated, “We will not sit idly by while our brothers are behind bars for the crime of studying Torah.” Conversely, sources within the defense establishment maintain that these arrests represent the enforcement of existing law, following government decisions and court rulings regarding mandatory service.
Where will the demonstrations take place?
Organizers have identified 19 locations for the start of the convoys: Jerusalem, Elad, Ashdod, Tiberias, Betar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Givat Ze’ev, Haifa, Hatzor Haglilit, Modin’in Illit, Nof Hagalil, Netanya, Arad, Safed, Kiryat Gat, and Rehovot. Participants plan to travel along major arteries, including Highways 1, 4, and 6, as well as the Aluf Sadeh and Ganot Interchanges. In Jerusalem, traffic may be obstructed near Bar Ilan Street and the Chords Bridge area. Police are reinforcing their presence across these regions and have recommended that drivers utilize alternative routes to avoid anticipated heavy congestion.
What happens if the traffic system collapses?
Police are conducting ongoing situational assessments and monitoring social media for signs of further escalation. A primary concern for law enforcement is that the planned convoys, combined with potential impromptu flash protests, could lead to a systemic collapse of traffic on major highways. Should this occur, police sources indicate they may deploy large forces to actively divert traffic and break up demonstrations. While the convoys are scheduled, police have not ruled out the possibility of additional, unannounced gatherings throughout the evening.