Protesters returned to the streets Tuesday evening, blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak in response to renewed IDF enforcement actions targeting draft refusers. Police declared the demonstration illegal and shut down the highway in both directions, from the Aluf Sadeh Interchange to the Em Hamoshavot Interchange.

After a relative lull during the conflict with Iran, unrest in Charedi areas has resurfaced. Activists from extremist factions blocked the central roadway to protest the resumption of targeted arrests. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces attempting to disperse the crowd and reopen the route.

Police had deployed reinforced units in anticipation of the protest. The preparations followed several arrests over the past week. Authorities had warned earlier in the day of major traffic disruptions and urged drivers to seek alternate routes.

The closure created major congestion across the region, with traffic halted for miles. Authorities redirected vehicles through Petach Tikva and along Jabotinsky Road, but heavy backups were reported throughout the area. Protesters held signs and chanted anti-draft slogans, including “Secularism is worse than death,” and vowed to continue demonstrations as long as arrests of yeshiva students persist.

The latest escalation follows the arrest of two yeshiva students in recent days. One was detained overnight between Sunday and Monday at his home in Jerusalem, while another was arrested Monday near his yeshiva in Herzliya. The arrests mark a return to proactive enforcement measures that had been paused during the war, prompting outrage among extremist groups.

Police emphasized that while lawful protests are permitted, disruptions to public order will not be tolerated. “The police allow protests within the framework of the law, but will not tolerate disturbances of any kind,” the police said. Meanwhile, organizers are planning to expand the protests to Jerusalem, with another demonstration scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at the intersection of Givat Moshe and Golda Meir streets.