Israel: Police confirm Highway 4 reopens to traffic following ultra-Orthodox protest near Bnei Brak March 3 /update 1

Police have confirmed that they have reopened Highway 4 near Bnei Brak after hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrators blocked the route near the Giv'at Shmu'el Interchange March 3. The reported purpose of the protest was to denounce calls for equal military conscription requirements for ultra-Orthodox individuals and others in Israel. Police briefly diverted vehicular traffic on the highway to alternative routes amid the demonstration, and clashes reportedly occurred between protesters and security forces. Police used force to disperse the protesters and reopen Highway 4; the protest had ended as of around 20:00.

Residual traffic disruptions may affect Highway 4 in the Bnei Brak area over the short term. Similar protests may materialize over the coming days.