Haredi demonstrators against the haredi draft law threw bottles at police and assaulted them, forcing Jerusalem traffic to grind to a halt on Wednesday.
Hundreds of protestors blocked the roads near Chords Bridge with signs saying "Enlistment = Genocide," "Death before conscription," and "War on the draft law."
The protest was declared an "illegal gathering and a violation of public order" by the Israel Police. Entry and exit to the Israeli capital have been blocked for vehicle traffic as forces work to restore order.
"The police will not allow disruption of public order, road blockages, or any violation of the law that could endanger public safety or disrupt the daily lives of road users," the police said in a statement.
Sections along Highway 4 have also been shut down due to the protests, and police have been working to maintain order as haredi rioters yelled insults including "Nazis," "terrorists," and "butchers."
Haredi protestors block the entrance to Jerusalem, July 23, 2025. (CREDIT: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
"The police were compelled to use force and employed measures to disperse the protest. In the process, two individuals were arrested for attacking police officers and civilians. Additionally, a police vehicle was vandalized with stickers," the police stated.
Cause of the protests
The protest was sparked after three haredi men were arrested on Tuesday during a demonstration against the desecration of a burial ground in Yehud, Israeli media reported.
The men were later transferred to military police after authorities discovered that they had ignored IDF conscription orders.
The future of the haredi draft bill has remained uncertain since the departure of the Knesset's two haredi parties from the government, Degel Hatorah and Shas.