VIOLENCE ERUPTS During Chareidi Vehicle Protests Across Israel; DRIVER POINTS GUN AT CHAREIDIM [VIDEOS]

Violence broke out at multiple locations across Israel on Wednesday during nationwide vehicle protests organized by the chareidi community against the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, with organizers reporting a series of alleged attacks on participants.

One of the most serious incidents occurred on Highway 1, where video circulated by protest organizers appears to show a passing driver pointing a handgun toward a group of chareidi demonstrators standing along the roadside. No shots were fired, but organizers condemned the incident as a grave threat and called on police to immediately investigate and arrest those responsible.

The Highway 1 incident was one of several violent confrontations reported throughout the day.

Near Ashdod on Route 7, organizers said a man blocked the path of a vehicle participating in the convoy, struck the car, attempted to assault the driver, shattered a side window, and threatened the occupants. Protest organizers said the incident was documented and would be turned over to police.

On the Ayalon Highway near Tel Aviv, participants alleged that a truck driver exited his vehicle armed with a knife and sticks before striking one of the protest vehicles and pounding on its windows while the occupants remained inside. The passengers immediately contacted police. No injuries were reported.

Another reported assault involved Beitar Illit Deputy Mayor Gedalyahu Eisenstein, who organizers say was attacked after another driver deliberately collided with his vehicle before allegedly choking him during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, violent clashes erupted in Arad between Gerrer Chassidim participating in the protests and secular residents and passersby. Police responded to the scene as tensions escalated.

Protest organizers also accused police of attempting to interfere with the demonstrations by issuing traffic citations to participants, calling it an infringement on the right to protest. They said their legal team would challenge any enforcement actions they believe unlawfully targeted demonstrators.

Police had not immediately released official statements regarding several of the reported incidents.