Israeli Car Protest Turns Violent with Gun Threat and Deputy Mayor Assault

A series of violent incidents erupted during the nationwide "Enough!" car protest against the detention of yeshiva students. In a central highway, a civilian brandished a gun and aimed it at the protest drivers, prompting an urgent call for police intervention.

In the town of Erad, clashes broke out between local residents and members of the Gur Hassidic community as activists attempted to block Gur vehicles. The confrontation escalated when a deputy mayor of Beitar Illit, Rabbi Gedaliah Eisenstein, was forcibly stopped, his car door opened, and he was choked by an assailant, requiring medical attention.

Earlier violent episodes involving knives, sticks and vehicle attacks across Ayalon, Ashdod and other routes have been reported. Knesset member Meir Porush issued a rare statement condemning the violence and urging the police to act decisively against those who threaten the Haredi protesters.