Anti-draft demonstrations expanded across Israel on Monday, bringing widespread traffic disruptions, road closures, and clashes with police. While the protests were sparked by opposition to the arrest of yeshiva bochurim classified as draft evaders, much of the demonstrators’ anger was directed at the police, whom they accuse of playing an increasingly active role in enforcing the arrests.

Large-scale protests were reported at numerous locations throughout the country, including central Israel, Yerushalayim, the north, and the south. Demonstrators blocked major roads and transportation routes, creating significant delays and forcing police to deploy substantial forces to restore order.

A short time before publication, protesters gathered near the Ganot Interchange and shut down Route 4 in both directions. Police officers attempted to clear the roadway after demonstrators allegedly refused orders to disperse. A police commander at the scene declared the gathering an unlawful protest before crowd-control measures were employed.

At the same time, protesters blocked the entrance to Yerushalayim near the Chords Bridge. Later, portions of Begin Boulevard were also closed. Demonstrators sat and stood on the roadways, obstructed traffic, and blocked sections of the light rail route, leading to major transportation disruptions throughout the city.

Additional demonstrations took place in Tzfas, Pisgat Ze’ev, and southern Israel. In Pisgat Ze’ev, dozens of protesters gathered near the residence of Traffic Division Commander ניצב Chaim Shmueli. Police used stun grenades in an effort to disperse the crowd.

Leaders and activists affiliated with the Yerushalmi faction directed much of their criticism at Shmueli. According to their claims, he significantly expanded upon the police commissioner’s directive requiring traffic officers to detain individuals classified as draft evaders until Military Police personnel arrive. Protest organizers alleged that what was initially intended as a limited enforcement measure has evolved into an aggressive policy targeting bnei yeshiva.

Sources associated with the faction claimed that Shmueli has been particularly eager to increase arrests and argued that police are no longer merely maintaining public order but have become active participants in the military effort against yeshiva bochurim.

Road blockages were also reported in southern Israel. Netivei Israel announced that the Netivot Junction on Route 25 had been closed to traffic. Police said an unlawful protest was taking place there and that officers from the Netivot station, Southern District personnel, and Border Police units were preparing to disperse demonstrators and reopen the roads.

Throughout the protests, demonstrators chanted “We will die and not enlist.” Footage from multiple locations showed protesters arriving by bus and disembarking at blocked intersections. Large numbers of police officers remained deployed at several sites, but the demonstrations continued into the evening, with disruptions affecting major transportation corridors.

{matzav.com}