Heavy traffic congestion was recorded today (Thursday) in the center of the country and in the south, and road and public transportation users faced unusual traffic jams.
Chaos reigned at the airport due to the halt of train traffic in the center of the country - and thousands were looking for a way to travel home.
The demonstrations were sparked by the Jerusalem faction's declaration of a "Day of Rage" in protest of the arrest of deserters and the extraditions carried out by the police, alongside the holding of three large concerts by singers simultaneously throughout the Dan Bloc.
• After a 93-year-old passerby was run over by a pedestrian walking near the 'Hapeleg' checkpoint at the Geha intersection, a "return to Talmud" announcement was made - and thousands of protesters were ordered to disperse from all protest sites.
• NSet for 7:30 PM: All blocked roads have been opened to vehicle traffic. Israel Railways has updated that train traffic is gradually returning.
• MK Meir Porush: "Attorney Miara and Judge Solberg, thank you for bringing this evil upon the people of Israel. We warned you again and again that your conduct would lead the people of Israel to a civil war, and you did not listen. Come to your senses before it is too late.".
• The blockage points: Ganot Interchange, Ben Shemen Interchange and Highway 6, Highway 444 towards Modiin, Jabotinsky Street and Geha Road, Hamazalag Interchange near Netivot.
• Netivei Israel updated that Highway 4 was blocked in both directions, from the Shiva Interchange to the Masovim Interchange, due to the demonstrations.
• Channel 12: The main transportation artery of the State of Israel is paralyzed. Highways 6, 4 and 1 are blocked, Ayalon Highways are closed and trains from Tel Aviv have been suspended. It is not possible to enter or exit the central area.
The blockages:
• Passengers on the train line from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv were dropped off at Ben Gurion Airport with no expectation of resuming their journey. Hundreds of them made their way to various performances - and are now unable to reach their destination.
• Israel Railways Announced: Due to protesters entering the rail areas in the Ganot area in violation of instructions and posing a significant risk to their safety, train traffic in the area was temporarily halted under police direction and is currently suspended. Delays and disruptions on travel routes across the country, and loads are also recorded.
Traffic will resume once the protesters have been cleared from the tracks.
Photo: Jonathan Zindel, Flash90
• Dozens of rioters blocked The fork in the road - Highways 34 and 25, near the city of Netivot. As a result, there are traffic disruptions in the area.
Police forces in the Southern District and Border Guard soldiers prepared to disperse the rioters. Later, the protesters declared, "Return to the Talmud" - and the demonstration was dispersed.
• Police: Activists confront illegal demonstration On Highway 1 westbound and eastbound During the protest, protesters block the road and clash with police. At the same time, a police officer declares the demonstration illegal, and despite attempts to disperse them, rioters continue to gather at the scene.
Ayalon Region police, Tel Aviv Police Station police, and National Guard soldiers are working to clear the road and redirect traffic to alternative roads in order to restore order.
• Police: An illegal demonstration is taking place at this time. At the Geha junction, near Bnei Brak. Disturbing people are blocking the road. Israel Police officers are on the scene and are directing traffic to alternative routes.
Traffic arrangements:
Former Minister Yoaz Hendel On Network B: "I'm standing on Highway 444 right now. We were blocked by all sorts of ultra-Orthodox children who got out onto the road, we're the third vehicle. I'm here with my wife on my way to a vacation that battalion commanders have been trying to organize for a year. There are no police, there's one poor policeman here who's trying to do something. We need to end this shtetl that sings, 'We don't believe in the rule of the infidels,' and we are the infidels. We are both the servants and the infidels.".
• ''The Committee to Save the World of Torah'' The 'Hapeleg' announced: "As we had warned and forewarned in advance - in these minutes the main transportation arteries of Gush Dan and the center of the country were blocked by thousands of Torah scholars and God-fearers, who went out in a huge cry of protest against the desecration and humiliation of the honor of the Torah in the Land of Israel, and the throwing of dozens of Torah students behind bars as the last of the criminals.".
""We will not remain silent or remain silent in the face of the severe campaign of persecution against the Torah world. The protest will continue and intensify until the imprisoned Torah students are fully released, and until the status of yeshiva students and Torah students is regulated as has been the practice since the establishment of the state.".
• Spokespeople Airports Authority: Following the planned protests in the Ben Gurion Airport area starting in the afternoon, traffic congestion and disruptions are expected on the roads leading to Ben Gurion Airport. The Airports Authority recommends that passengers reach Ben Gurion Airport via Israel Railways. It is recommended to stay updated in real time on the media and navigation applications regarding traffic congestion and traffic arrangements in the area.
The Airports Authority is prepared to maintain the functional continuity of Ben Gurion Airport and the continuation of regular aviation activity, in cooperation with all security, transportation and enforcement agencies.
Photo: Police spokeswoman
• Attorney Menachem Stauber Police Commissioner Danny Levy was contacted and warned against selective enforcement and prohibited discrimination against Haredi protesters, following the recent protests - during which "a series of serious and extreme events occurred in complete violation of the law.".
In his appeal, the attorney, who represents 'deserters' before the IDF authorities, noted that during the recent demonstrations, the police took a harsh and disproportionate approach towards the Haredi demonstrators, making extensive use of severe violence, using pepper spray, stun grenades and means to disperse demonstrations in a manner that aggressively tramples on any equality in enforcement and any police treatment of the protesting public.
Attorney Menachem Stauber demanded that the Commissioner examine and monitor the conduct of the forces in the field, order restraint on the use of violent means, and ensure that the rights of the demonstrators - primarily freedom of expression and protest - will be maintained without discrimination and without bias.
• Chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, MK Avigdor Lieberman"While IDF soldiers are fighting in Lebanon, the terrorist organization known as the Jerusalem Faction is confronting security forces, blocking major highways and harming Israeli citizens, those who serve in the IDF, are in the reserves, work and pay taxes.
""When we return to power, I promise, I will make sure to outlaw them.".
• Shlomi Heller from I24: Fearing ultra-Orthodox protests near his home - large police forces from the Jerusalem District were deployed near the Supreme Court's house Yitzhak Amit In the town of Mevaseret Zion, as a lesson from the farce of the Shi'ite District in handling the riots at Judge Solberg's house in Gush Etzion.
Police have already set up roadblocks on nearby streets to prevent access to the judge's house. At this time, there are no protesters present at the scene.
