Mass demonstrations organized by the Peleg Yerushalmi spread across Israel on Monday evening, with protesters blocking major highways, disrupting rail service, and clashing with police as anger continues to mount over the arrests of yeshiva bochurim and avreichim accused of draft evasion.

The demonstrations, announced in advance by Peleg leaders, began simultaneously at several key locations, including the entrance to Jerusalem near the Chords Bridge, Begin Boulevard in Jerusalem, and the Ganot Interchange in central Israel, one of the country’s busiest transportation arteries.

Protesters also blocked Highway 4 in both directions near Ganot, causing major traffic disruptions. Police declared the gathering unlawful and moved to clear the roadway after demonstrators allegedly refused orders to disperse.

Additional protests were reported in Tzfas, Pisgat Ze’ev, and southern Israel. Authorities also reported the closure of the Netivot Junction on Highway 25 as demonstrators spread their activities across multiple regions.

In Jerusalem, protesters blocked roads, light rail tracks, and major intersections, causing significant transportation disruptions throughout the city.

One of the focal points of the protests was outside the home of Israel Police Traffic Division Commander Chaim Shmueli in Pisgat Ze’ev. More than 100 demonstrators gathered at the site, accusing traffic police of playing a leading role in the transfer of yeshiva students to military authorities. Police used stun grenades during efforts to disperse the crowd following confrontations at the scene.

Peleg Yerushalmi officials have increasingly directed their criticism toward the police, arguing that law enforcement has moved beyond maintaining public order and has become actively involved in efforts against bnei yeshiva.

The demonstrations were called following the continued detention of yeshiva students and avreichim, with organizers claiming that approximately 50 bochurim and avreichim are currently being held in military prisons due to draft-related issues.

Earlier Monday, another avreich was arrested on Highway 1 near Shaar Hagai. According to reports, he was initially stopped for a traffic violation, but during the inspection police allegedly discovered he was classified as a draft evader and transferred him to military authorities. Some reports indicated that his wife, who was traveling with him, fainted during the incident.

Throughout the demonstrations, protesters repeatedly chanted that they would rather die than serve in the military and carried out coordinated acts of civil disobedience.

Police urged motorists to avoid the affected areas, follow officers’ instructions, and use alternate routes as efforts continued to reopen blocked roads and restore traffic flow.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)