Haredi anti-draft protesters block Highway 4 in both directions near Yavne Interchange

OCTOBER 18, 2026 10:00Updated: OCTOBER 18, 2026 10:27Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters from the extremist Jerusalem Faction (Peleg Yerushalmi) group blocked Highway 4 in both directions near Yavne Interchange on Sunday morning due to an anti-draft demonstration, Israel Police stated.The protest began earlier than expected, as it had been publicly scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.Approximately 40 to 50 protesters are at the scene.Police forces from the Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan stations, as well as the Dan District, are on site.Police urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes, advising drivers to consult navigation apps for updated traffic information.Haredi protesters block vehicles on Highway 4, October 18, 2026. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)Authorities also instructed drivers to follow the directions of police officers stationed at the scene.Later, police said they were working to clear the road of the "illegal demonstration."Israel authorities ramp up arrests for draft evadersIn recent months, the Israeli security establishment has ramped up arrests for haredi draft evaders, that is, ultra-Orthodox men who refuse mandatory IDF service based on religious observance and do not receive official service exemptions from the IDF.In response to the arrests, haredi groups have organized multiple protests throughout Jerusalem and central Israel, and the haredi IDF draft has become a central issue in the 2026 Knesset election campaigns. Maya Zanger-Shamir contributed to this report.Follow us on Google