A major disturbance unfolded in southern Israel on Monday after Military Police detectives arrested Aviel Cohen, a 22-year-old avreich and resident of Netivot.

The arrest took place at the Gilat gas station complex near Ofakim while Cohen was traveling with his wife. News of the arrest quickly spread through Chareidi communities in the south, and within minutes, dozens of protesters arrived at the scene and began blocking the main intersection in protest.

Cohen’s father said, “They pulled him out of the car and left his young wife there on the side of the road, with nowhere to go. She doesn’t even have a driver’s license and was left there alone and helpless. My son is a kollel student who sits and learns day and night. They grabbed him just like that, without any shame, because he learns Torah.”

Police said Southern District forces are operating at Gilat Junction, at the intersection of Highways 25 and 241, to restore public order. According to police, dozens of protesters arrived at the junction, blocked traffic lanes, and attempted to disrupt normal activity in the area.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area, use alternate routes, and follow police instructions. Police added that while they allow freedom of protest, they will act against road blockages and disturbances of public order.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)