Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protests over the contentious draft bill and ongoing arrests of draft dodgers erupted across the center of the country and Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon, blocking traffic and disrupting public order.
The protests follow instructions from Rabbi Zvi Friedman, who, earlier on Thursday, called for protests after a wave of draft dodger arrests.
In Jerusalem, the protest was officially declared a riot by Israel Police, and officers from both Israel Police and Border Police worked to remove protesters from the Bar Ilan intersection.
A police officer and a passerby were both lightly injured after protesters threw stones at officers operating at the scene, according to Israel Police.
Footage circulating on social media also shows a protester shouting “Itbah al-Yahud,” an Arabic phrase that translates to “kill the Jews,” at officers.
“Israel Police will allow freedom of expression and protest according to the law,” police said in an afternoon statement. “At the same time, we will not allow a blatant violation of public order while harming freedom of movement, and we will act resolutely to restore order.”
Protests escalate to physical violence in central Israel
Outside of Bnei Brak, protesters have blocked Route 4 at the Geha junction, sitting on the road and chanting, “Prisoners of the world of Torah, the great of the nation.”
Some of the protesters are reportedly wearing black ribbons tied around their wrists to stand in solidarity with the so-called “prisoners.”
Police quickly declared the protest “illegal,” and a police officer on-site told protesters that, if they did not clear the road, dispersal by force and the use of measures would begin.
Near Rosh Ha’ayin, clashes erupted between protesters blocking the road and drivers who exited their vehicles to confront them.
Footage circulating on social media also shows traffic outside of Elad due to the ongoing protests.
Hodaya Ran contributed to this report.