Ultra-Orthodox protesters hold anti-draft protests, block traffic in Jerusalem, along Highway 4

Ultra-Orthodox protesters disrupted traffic across Israel on Monday, blocking key highways and bridges in protest against intensified enforcement of draft dodger arrests. Demonstrations occurred on Highway 4, Highway 1, and at Jerusalem's Chords Bridge, causing significant travel delays.

The protests were a direct response to recent efforts by the military and Israel Police to increase the apprehension of Haredim who evade mandatory military service. The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to any attempts to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

In a separate incident overnight, eight Haredi protesters were arrested in Beit Shemesh after allegedly breaking into a police station. The arrests followed the apprehension of an alleged draft dodger. Footage released by the Israel Police showed numerous protesters gathered outside the station. Some individuals reportedly attempted to block traffic by throwing stones.

However, all eight protesters were later released after police admitted in court that there was insufficient evidence against them. The judge presiding over the case noted that while the incident indicated a "crossing of the line," arrests could not be justified solely by presence near a police station without proof of violent actions or forced entry.

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It is not possible to order the arrest of the respondents before me simply because of their presence in a place near the police station without being presented with evidence that shows that they forcibly broke through the gates of the station or committed another violent act during that incident.