A volatile protest broke out late Motzoei Shabbos at the entrance to the southern city of Ofakim following the arrest of a young avreich, leading to road closures, clashes with police, and multiple arrests.

The demonstration erupted after the detention of Reb Avraham Ben Dayan, a recently married avreich who wed approximately two months ago. Reb Avraham, a talmid of Yeshivas Me’or HaTalmud and a resident of Netivot, was arrested during Shabbos in the community of Tifrach and was later transferred to the custody of military police.

According to available details, Reb Avraham had been in Tifrach over Shabbos when he was initially stopped by traffic police. He was subsequently handed over to the Ofakim police, who transferred him to military police at the Bahadim base. He is expected to be moved to Prison 10.

In response to the arrest, hundreds of demonstrators converged on the intersection at the entrance to Ofakim along Route 241. Protesters blocked the roadway, causing major traffic disruptions in the area. Tensions escalated as confrontations developed between demonstrators and police forces, who used stun grenades in an effort to disperse the crowd. Reports from the scene indicated that three protesters were arrested during the disturbances.

In a statement, police said officers from the Southern District were operating at the entrance to Ofakim to restore public order after individuals blocked traffic, acted violently, and disrupted daily life in the area.

Police further said that three people were taken into custody.

{Matzav.com}