Israel Railways Navon Station To Close at 12:30; Haredim are Furious

After hours of intense deliberations over the Haredi community's "Million Rally" – set for later today (Thursday) in Jerusalem to protest military conscription, Israel Railways issued an overnight statement:

Even now, well before the station shuts down or Highway 1 is blocked to private cars, public transport is already overwhelmed.

At Tel Aviv's HaHagana Station, announcements blared: "Trains are packed, board with caution," followed by: "If you can't get on the Jerusalem train, please wait; another one will come for those who missed it."

Haredim expressed outrage over the Navon Station closure, calling it "an illegitimate decision."

Despite this, and amid ongoing disputes with police, the plan remains unchanged, with no additional train reinforcements approved.

Railways officials stated: "We're fully prepared to run all scheduled trips and keep Navon open, provided Israel Police drops its requirement to cap passenger numbers per train and secures the station's entry and exit paths."

Train riders voiced strong anger at the move. One passenger remarked: "They call it a prayer rally, but it's really an anti-draft protest – and because of it, parents of soldiers who risk their lives in service can't attend their kids' graduation ceremonies today. It's absurd." Another added: "This is a draft-dodging event showing total disdain for fallen warriors who died protecting these ungrateful folks. Closing trains on a Thursday, when it's the only way many can reach Jerusalem, is a pathetic surrender to this group – and it further burdens residents and soldiers needing to head home."

The decision to shutter Navon Station followed a pointed letter from railway leadership to the police commissioner, revealed yesterday on ynet. It warned, among other points: "Without clear, written guidelines, we can't bolster operations on the Jerusalem line." Railways had alerted police to concerns over handling the influx of rally-goers and demanded security for the station, located right next to the site.

Police conducted readiness assessments in the Jerusalem district two days ago but held back on issuing explicit, formal directives to railway staff. While bracing for major congestion, authorities opted against extra trains or enhanced security – instead confirming the 12:30 p.m. closure of Yitzhak Navon Station last night.

Haredi Fury Over Closure: "Illegitimate Decision"

Industry insiders told ynet yesterday: "Police want us to restrict passengers per train and stick to regular service, but that's impractical. Their job is to manage crowds, yet they're dodging the responsibility."

In response to the announcement, United Torah Judaism MK Israel Eichler reached out to Transportation Minister Miri Regev and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, urging them "not to collaborate with those persecuting the Haredi community and trying to block our right to protest."

He argued for keeping trains running normally to avoid endangering packed crowds from halted service: "Remember, during huge protests near the Knesset, trains operated without issue, allowing every demonstrator to come and go freely." Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri also contacted the railway for clarification on what he termed a "scandalous" decision, only to learn it stemmed from police orders.

He then pressed Ben-Gvir for immediate action: "This could strand tens of thousands nationwide, leading to blocked junctions. It's an illegitimate move that bars a vast community from attending and praying. Ben-Gvir pledged to seek a quick resolution."

The rally's organizing committee stated they're lobbying all involved parties to avert the closure: "We hope this gets fixed to prevent transport chaos from an arbitrary call that contradicts our clear police agreements. It's unacceptable to halt access for tens of thousands who can't use private cars and rely solely on trains and public transit." Road Closures in the Capital

Beyond the station shutdown, broad roadblocks are slated for the Jerusalem area:

From noon until the rally concludes, Highway 1 will be off-limits to private vehicles in both directions – from Latrun to Sacharov Gardens, including city entry via Highway 16 and Sha'ar HaGai.

Jerusalem access there will be limited to pre-arranged buses directed to drop-off zones. City exits can use the Arzot Tunnel, Highway 16, and Highway 443, the latter staying open for private vehicles entering too, though expect severe backups.

Ynet contributed to this article.