Drivers and public transportation users across central Israel are being warned to prepare for major traffic disruptions on Thursday as large-scale anti-draft protests and several major concerts are expected to draw tens of thousands of people to the region.

The demonstrations, organized by the Peleg Yerushalmi in protest of the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, are expected to take place during the afternoon and could significantly impact major transportation arteries throughout the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.

The protests come after HaRav Ezriel Auerbach called for an escalation of demonstrations against what organizers describe as the continued targeting and arrest of Yeshiva Bochrim.

At the same time, three major concerts are scheduled to take place in the region, including performances by Omer Adam at Ramat Gan Stadium, Eyal Golan at Bloomfield Stadium, and Ben Tzur at Petach Tikvah’s HaMoshava Stadium.

Transportation officials expect heavy congestion beginning in the afternoon hours and continuing well into the evening.

Among the roads expected to experience the heaviest traffic are Highway 4, the Geha Interchange, the Ayalon Highway, Derech Namir, Derech HaShalom, Jabotinsky Street, and access routes into Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak, Petach Tikvah, and southern Tel Aviv.

Israel Railways announced a significant increase in service for the day, including additional trains, extended routes on existing lines, and enhanced staffing and operations at key stations, particularly Bnei Brak and Petach Tikvah Kiryat Aryeh.

Authorities are urging commuters to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider using public transportation where possible.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)