Highway 4 closed in both directions due to haredi protest

Highway 4 was closed in both directions from 4 p.m. on Thursday due to a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protest in Bnei Brak, Israel Police confirmed.

The closure affects the highway between the Aluf Sade Interchange, south of Ramat Gan, and the Em Hamoshavot Interchange, north of Bnei Brak, police added.

Video footage seen by The Jerusalem Post appears to show haredi protesters sitting in the highway blocking cars, buses, and other vehicles from being able to pass at Highway 4’s Geha Interchange.

The footage also shows Israel Police and Border Police officers at the scene.

A police officer at the scene declared the demonstration illegal, Israel Police confirmed.

The protesters continued to block the highway despite police requesting that they move, Israel Police said.

The police advised the public to seek alternative routes, noting that additional traffic will likely occur on adjacent highways.

A second protest is expected outside Military Prison 10 in Beit Lid due to the arrest of a haredi draft dodger, Ynet reported.

This is a developing story.