Israel: Protesters blocking Route 4 near Bnei Brak June 20

Adherents of Haredi Judaism are protesting by blocking Route 4 near Bnei Brak June 20. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce the conscription of yeshiva students into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Police have deployed to the protest site and engaged in scuffles with demonstrators sitting on and blocking the thoroughfare. The demonstration has reportedly disrupted northbound traffic on Route 4 from the Aluf Sade Interchange, with traffic being diverted to Route 471; southbound traffic has been directed toward Petah Tikva. Hundreds of activists are participating in the demonstration.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in the affected area until the demonstration concludes and traffic flows normalize. Police may attempt to arrest protesters who refuse to vacate the demonstration site. Further ultra-Orthodox protests may materialize in the Bnei Brak area over the short term. Additional clashes between demonstrators and police are possible at any such demonstrations that occur.