The anti-IDF draft extremist haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jerusalem Faction (Peleg Yerushalmi) is currently protesting at the Russian Compound in Jerusalem, Nitzan Prison in Ramla, Hadarim Prison near Netanya, and the Abu Kabir Prison in southern Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.
“We call on the public of Torah scholars and those who fear the word of God throughout the country to go out in a widespread protest against the extradition process,” Maariv cited the Jerusalem Faction as saying.
The protesters are denouncing the detention of 19 haredi draft dodgers, with the Jerusalem protesters attempting to block vehicles transporting detainees from a nearby detention center, according to a statement by Israel Police.
Israel Police said later on Wednesday that they are attempting to disperse rioters in Jerusalem and are increasing their presence in the area.
An Israel Police spokesperson said that additional protests have started in several areas of Jerusalem, including HaNevi’im Street and Haim Bar-Lev Boulevard, according to Maariv.
Maariv added that three protesters have been arrested for rioting and attacking police officers.
According to Maariv, the Jerusalem Faction issued an advance notice to residents of central Israel ahead of the protests.
“Residents of the center, pay attention!” said the notice. “There will be a protest in the coming days, and this area will be closed to traffic due to the continued arrest of yeshiva students and the persecution of the Torah world.”
The notice included a picture of Shoham, Ben Gurion Airport, Lod, Ramla, Petah Tikva, Yehud, and Rishon LeZion, and stated that routes 1, 6, 40, 431, 44, and 443 would be closed to traffic.
On Tuesday, haredi protesters blocked a Jerusalem road in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood, Ynet reported.
According to Ynet, the protest was sparked by false reports of a draft dodger’s arrest.
Rioters, eight of whom were arrested, started fires and broke into a police station.
“We will not tolerate any harm to the symbols of government and to the valuable police officers who work to protect the law and the public,” said Jerusalem District Police Commander Avshalom Peled.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.