Haredi Anti-Draft Protesters Block Major Israeli Roads, Clash With Police

Thousands of Haredi protesters blocked major Israeli highways and rail lines Thursday night in another anti-draft demonstration. The protest followed the transfer of 19 ultra-Orthodox draft evaders into IDF custody. Routes 1, 4, 6, and parts of Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway were disrupted, with protesters clashing with police and even entering train tracks. At least two protesters were injured in separate car incidents, including a 93-year-old man. Israel is at war on multiple fronts after the Hamas-led October 7 massacre, and the IDF has warned of a serious manpower shortage. Blocking roads and attacking public order while Israeli soldiers are defending the country is not acceptable. Israel needs unity, responsibility, and service — not chaos in the streets.