Israel Police used stun grenades and deployed a water cannon to disperse haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters from the extremist Jerusalem Faction (Peleg Yerushalmi) who blocked Highway 4 in both directions near Yavne Interchange on Sunday morning, Israeli media reported.
The highway was reopened to traffic after about two hours of protests, which were sparked by the arrests of two IDF draft evaders over the weekend.
Approximately 40 to 50 protesters unexpectedly blocked the highway during the morning rush hour, despite the demonstration being publicly scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., police said.
The sudden blockade brought traffic to a standstill in both directions, disrupting the morning commute for drivers traveling to work.
Confrontations broke out between protesters and motorists caught in the blockade, with some drivers clashing with demonstrators after they could not continue their journeys.
Police declared the demonstration illegal and said officers were working to "reopen the road and restore order."
Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes, advising drivers to consult navigation apps for updated traffic information and follow instructions from police officers stationed at the scene.
Israel authorities ramp up arrests for draft evaders
Police emphasized that while they recognize the right to protest, they would not tolerate public disorder, interference with freedom of movement, or conduct that could endanger public safety.
In recent months, the Israeli security establishment has ramped up arrests of haredi draft evaders, ultra-Orthodox men who refuse mandatory IDF service on religious grounds despite not having received official exemptions from the military.
In response to the arrests, haredi groups have organized multiple protests throughout Jerusalem and central Israel, with demonstrations frequently disrupting traffic and resulting in confrontations with police.
The issue of haredi military enlistment has also become a central point of contention in the 2026 Knesset election campaigns, as political parties debate the enforcement of military service requirements and exemptions for yeshiva students.
Maya Zanger-Shamir contributed to this report.