[84139] Riots at Gilat Junction: Haredim block the route in protest over the arrest of a deserter

Riots at Gilat Junction: Haredim block the route in protest over the arrest of a deserter

During the day (June 15, 2026), public disturbances were reported at the Gilat Junction near Ofakim, against the backdrop of attempts by Haredi protesters to prevent the arrest of a Haredi IDF deserter. Although the deserter had already been handed over to the Military Police, the protesters continue to block the traffic route.

According to a report on the News from the Field Telegram channel (which expresses positions critical of the Netanyahu leadership and the conduct toward the Haredi public), "Haredim are preventing the arrest of a Haredi deserter at Gilat Junction near Ofakim," even though the deserter has already been handed over to the military authorities.

At the same time, the News Line channel (which takes a similar critical line) reported that telephone lines of extremist Haredim distributed voice messages calling on the public to arrive at the scene and disrupt the arrest. According to a report by Haredi activists on the News Line, "crowds arrived at the scene but the deserter was handed over to the Military Police," yet despite this, the protesters chose to continue blocking the road.

As of this hour, the incident is ongoing and the police and military presence at the scene is attempting to clear the route.