Ultra-Orthodox extremists block roads, clash with public over arrest of draft dodgers

Hundreds of extremist ultra-Orthodox men blocked roads in central Israel on Thursday in protest of the recent arrests of Haredi draft evaders, where they clashed with police forces and members of the public. The demonstrations came even as the government passed sweeping laws in recent days aimed at halting the arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers and elevating the status of yeshiva students. The demonstration was organized by a sub-sect of the extremist Jerusalem Faction, which called to block central Israel’s Route 4 highway from Aluf Sade Interchange to Em Hamoshavot Interchange, a stretch of some 6.7 kilometers (4.1 miles). The timing of the protest coincided with rush hour, causing additional traffic and delays during what were already some of the busiest hours of the day to be on the road. The demonstrators — many of whom were underage — sat in the middle of the road to block traffic with their bodies. In one instance, the Haaretz daily reported that the protesters smashed the wing mirrors of a car that attempted to push through the blockage. The Israel Police later said that a car windshield was shattered by protesters throwing stones, although it was unclear if this was the same incident. The demonstration turned violent after the police declared it illegal and ordered those blocking the road to clear the area. When they refused, mounted troops were sent in and officers used force to disperse the demonstration. Protesters threw bottles and other objects at law enforcement, lightly injuring one officer, police said.