Deserter arrested in stolen vehicle at Ofer checkpoint, Haredim protest to prevent handover
Border Police and Judea and Samaria District police are working to restore order and reopen Highway 443. The suspect remains in a police vehicle while protesters block the area.
A 20-year-old resident of Ashdod was arrested today, Friday, on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle at the Ofer checkpoint. During the inspection, it was discovered that he is a deserter.
Riots broke out at the scene as dozens of Haredim began blocking Highway 443 to prevent his handover to the Military Police. Organizers sent a voice message to tens of thousands of people, calling on them to arrive at the checkpoint on Highway 443, heading toward Jerusalem, to obstruct the arrest. Activists later claimed that he would not be handed over to the Military Police and would likely be transferred for questioning by the regular police.
Border Police forces and Judea and Samaria District police are working to restore order and reopen the road to traffic, while continuing the investigation into the vehicle theft at the Modi'in Illit station. The suspect remains in a police jeep, and protesters are currently preventing the vehicle from leaving the scene.
