Extremist ultra-Orthodox Jews belonging to a group known as the "Ratzfnikim" staged a surprise protest on Route 4 near the Gan Yavne Interchange on Sunday morning, demonstrating against the arrest of two ultra-Orthodox military draft evaders and their transfer to military police custody.
Police officers at the scene used force and stun grenades to disperse the demonstrators, while also allowing members of the public to help clear the road.
"An illegal demonstration is currently taking place at the Yavne Interchange, with rioters blocking the road in both directions," Israel Police said in a statement. "Police officers are at the scene, directing traffic to alternative routes and working to reopen the road and restore order. We advise the public to use alternative routes and stay informed of developments. Israel Police considers the right to protest a cornerstone of a democratic state and permits demonstrations as long as they are conducted within the law. However, police will not tolerate disturbances of any kind, obstruction of freedom of movement or any behavior that could endanger public safety."
The Ratzfnikim, followers of Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, are considered a particularly radical faction within the Jerusalem Faction, a hardline ultra-Orthodox movement. Members oppose the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces and regularly stage demonstrations following the arrest of yeshiva students classified as military draft evaders.
