Huge traffic jams as right-wing activists block highway

(10 Apr 2005) 1. Wide shot of Ayalon high way, tyres burning, police at scene, traffic going past 2. Close up of tyres burning, with policeman walking around 3. Police directing traffic 4. Various of police holding settlers under arrest 5. Tyres left on side of road 6. Burning tyres STORYLINE: Several dozen right-wing Jewish activists set fire to tyres on the busy Ayalon Highway around Tel Aviv during the Sunday morning rush hour, snarling traffic in both directions and causing massive jams. Police and fire fighters rushed to the scene, where protesters had set fire to the tyres. Drivers stuck in the traffic jams got out of their cars to confront the protesters, who were sitting in the road. Eight people were arrested in the incident. Opponents of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan have blocked the main artery around Tel Aviv in the past and threatened to increase disruptions as the date for the evacuation of Gaza draws nearer. The roadblock demonstration came as the extremist group Revava, planned to lead thousands of people into the Al Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday to protest over Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza this summer. They hope to spark confrontations, and divert Israeli forces out of Gaza in order to derail the pullout. The hilltop compound is the most hotly contested site in Jerusalem, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...