A dramatic overnight confrontation unfolded on Highway 7 near Ashdod after police detained a yeshiva bochur identified as a military draft deserter, prompting dozens of protesters to rush to the scene and ultimately leading to his release.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Monday, shortly after the Beit Rabban Junction on Highway 7 heading toward Ashdod. According to reports, officers stopped a vehicle carrying the yeshiva bochur and determined that he was listed as a draft deserter by the IDF.

Police then reportedly summoned military police to take custody of the bochur and transfer him for detention.

Within minutes, alerts were circulated through the “Tzeva Shachor” and “The Kidnappers Have Arrived” notification systems, telephone networks used by members of the Peleg Yerushalmi to mobilize supporters in response to arrests of bnei yeshivah.

Dozens of protesters quickly converged on the location, creating a large crowd around the police officers and the detained vehicle.

As tensions mounted and military police had still not arrived, authorities reportedly grew concerned about the possibility of further escalation. In light of the growing crowd and the delay in transferring the detainee, a decision was made to release the yeshiva bochur immediately.

Following his release, protesters reportedly broke into singing and dancing. The demonstration then shifted to a nearby section of Highway 7, where participants blocked traffic for roughly an hour.

The road closure continued until organizers issued the traditional instruction of “Veyachzor l’Talmudo” (“let him return to his learning”), signaling the end of the protest. The demonstrators then dispersed from the area.

{Matzav.com}