- June 24, 2026
- 1:57 pm
- Israel
Today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a large-scale protest by the Haredim is expected in Israel, which may significantly affect traffic in several areas of the country. According to preliminary data, about 2,000 vehicles are expected to depart from 19 different points and move in organized columns towards the Beit Lid area, near Kfar Yona.
The main reason for the protest is the detention of Haredim who evade military service. In recent weeks, similar actions have already taken place near prison No. 10, but the current situation differs in the composition of participants. Previously, the more radical ‘Jerusalem flank’ was at the forefront, but now large Hasidic communities, considered more numerous and moderate, are joining the protest.
This means two things simultaneously. On one hand, there may be significantly more participants. On the other hand, the organizers state that they do not plan widespread roadblocks or violent actions.
Where the columns are departing from
According to the plan, the columns will start moving around 16:00. Cars are expected to depart from about 19 points across the country: from Safed and Haifa in the north, through Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Modi’in Illit, to Kiryat Gat and Arad in the south.
The organizers claim that the movement is coordinated with the police. Each column should travel in the right lane at a constant speed of about 50 km/h. Participants were also reminded that stopping on the highway and intentionally blocking traffic could lead to fines from the police.
Where to expect traffic jams and which roads to avoid
Although the final routes are still being coordinated with the police, the general direction is clear: all columns will move towards the Kfar Yona area. Therefore, major traffic jams are expected not in one city, but on several key highways in Israel.
Special attention should be paid to Highway No. 1 near the Ben Gurion interchange, Highway No. 4 in the Geha, Ganot, Aluf Sade, and Em HaMoshavot areas, as well as Highway No. 6 near the Ben Shemen, Kesem, and Nahshonim interchanges. Additionally, congestion is possible on Ayalon, Highway No. 20, Highway No. 40, and Highway No. 440.
The most difficult situation is expected closer to the evening. From approximately 18:00 to 19:00, the main flow may shift to Highway No. 57 and the Netanya-Kfar Yona interchange area.
For the Israeli audience, this topic is important not only as news about the protest but also as a practical issue: how to get home today without getting stuck on the highway and avoiding the conflict zone between demonstrators, police, and local residents. This is why such materials are important to read in the context of real life in the country, where NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency pays attention not only to the political background but also to the consequences for ordinary people.
When it’s better not to travel
The most problematic period is from 16:00 to 20:00. During this time, it is better not to plan trips on central highways if possible, especially if the route passes through Gush Dan, the Ben Shemen area, Kesem, Netanya, or Kfar Yona.
In the morning and late evening, according to preliminary estimates, no serious unusual traffic jams are expected. The exception is the Kfar Yona area and its approaches, where tension may persist longer.
The Israel Police recommend postponing all non-essential trips in areas where the protest will take place. This is especially relevant for those who need to travel from the center of the country to the north or vice versa.
Is there an alternative and what could go wrong
The most obvious alternative today is the train. No blockages are expected on ‘Rakevet Israel’, and the railway is expected to operate as usual, without special reinforcements.
But there is also a nuance here. Many drivers may choose to forgo their cars in advance, so increased load is possible at railway stations and on the trains themselves. Those who choose the train should allow extra time for the journey to the station and boarding.
Main risks of the evening
Organizers describe the protest as an action of ‘order, responsibility, and sanctification of the name’. However, with such a number of people and vehicles, it is impossible to completely rule out disruptions.
Problems may arise if individual columns start moving slower than the agreed speed, if someone decides to stop on the highway, or if clashes occur with local residents and police. Organizers have already warned: if one of the columns is hindered, roadblocks may be the response.
There is also a separate point of tension — Kfar Yona. After the city was effectively isolated last week due to the protest, local residents do not intend to silently wait for events to unfold again. The mayor has already announced plans to block entry to the city and prevent the car action from entering.
Because of this, the police, according to the current position, require that the protesters do not reach prison No. 10 directly and remain outside the city. This section may become the main source of unpredictability.
The bottom line is simple: from 16:00 to 20:00, serious traffic jams are possible on central highways in Israel, and in the evening, the main risk will shift to the Kfar Yona area. Those who do not need to travel should postpone their trip. Those who must be on the road should check the route in advance, avoid major interchanges, and consider the train as a calmer alternative.