Ultra-Orthodox Jews began protesting against the arrest of a yeshiva student on Wednesday afternoon in central Jerusalem, according to an eyewitness report and Israel Police.
The student was initially arrested for not showing up to the IDF draft office when called up.
Police stated that protesters blocked the Sha’arei Yisrael – Nordau St. intersection, blocking both the light rail and the intersection to traffic. Approximately 200 protesters are at the scene, according to Walla. Two arrests have already been made by police at the demonstration for disorderly conduct and were taken in for questioning.
A police spokesperson also stated that protesters were blatantly attempting to provoke the police horses.
Drivers forced to take alternative routes
Police were seen directing drivers in the area to alternative routes.
Protesters were also seen blocking Highway 4 at the Givat Shmuel intersection from both directions. Protests were also reported in Petah Tikva.
Yisreal Beytenu Party Leader Avigdor Lieberman stated that the protest has been “a complete loss of control. This is what happens when the ultra-Orthodox get any legitimacy from haredi entities (politicians) who promote the evasion law.
“It’s time to stop the exemptions, every young man and woman who reaches the age of 18, Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze, will enlist in the army or civil service.”
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