Demonstrators affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi began protesting Monday afternoon on Route 4 near Bnei Brak, as part of a renewed wave of demonstrations announced earlier in the day over the continued arrest of yeshiva students. Within a short time, the highway was blocked to traffic in both directions, prompting police to declare the protest illegal.

As a direct result of the demonstration, light rail service in Petach Tikva was suspended. In a statement, officials said: “Due to a protest near the Shenkar Station in Petach Tikva, the light rail will operate in a shortened format. Line R2 will run between Kiryat Aryeh Station in Petach Tikva and Komemiyut Station in Bat Yam, in both directions.”

Israel Police reported that Route 4 was closed between the Aluf Sadeh Interchange and the Em HaMoshavos Interchange. Traffic heading south from Em HaMoshavos was diverted toward Petach Tikva. Officers from the Dan District and the National Traffic Police were deployed to the scene, directing traffic and guiding drivers to alternate routes.

Plain clothes Israel Police officer kicks unarmed chareidi protestor in the head multiple times.

Earlier Monday, the Peleg Yerushalmi announced the renewal of protests across the country, following directives from Hagaon HaRav Ezriel Auerbach, in response to the continued arrest of yeshiva bochurim. Protest locations were not publicized in advance, and police prepared for possible road blockages and traffic disruptions.

👀 Peleg Yerushalmi protesters at the Givat Shmuel Junction try stopping a Yad Sara vehicle enroute to deliver medical equipment. Yad Sarah is the leading volunteer-staffed organization in Israel, which provides a vital array of health and home care services.

Police emphasized that the right to protest will be respected as long as demonstrations remain within the bounds of the law, but stressed that road blockages, interference with freedom of movement, or any behavior endangering public safety will not be tolerated.

During the protest, United Hatzalah medical teams treated a pedestrian — a 15-year-old boy — who sustained minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Route 4 near the Givat Shmuel Interchange. Medics at the scene reported that he was injured during the demonstration and suffered bruising to his limbs.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)