Ultra-Orthodox men, previously exempt, are now facing mandatory military service, prompting the demonstrations.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters blocked a major highway near Bnei Brak on Thursday to oppose the conscription of Haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Most Israeli citizens are required to serve 24 to 32 months. While Haredi Jews had previously been exempt, the Israeli Supreme Court ended this exemption in June 2023, amidst IDF efforts to address personnel shortages. Conscription notices were issued in August, but few Haredi men have enlisted voluntarily.
Protesters, affiliated with the hardline Jerusalem Faction, staged a sit-in on Route 4, blocking traffic and clashing with police. They chanted slogans such as, “We will die and not enlist,” and hurled accusations of “Nazis” at officers. The protest, lasting several hours, was eventually cleared by authorities.
Videos online show police and IDF personnel removing protesters. No arrests were reported.
Riots as Orthodox demonstrators blocked a highway in protest against IDF conscription
Article:
— Agencia AJN (@AgenciaAJN)
חרדים מהפלג הירושלמי מפגינים נגד גיוס לצה”ל בכביש 4, שנחסם לתנועה בשני הכיוונים
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news)
This protest followed the IDF’s recruitment for its new ultra-Orthodox unit, the Hasmonean Brigade. Around 50 recruits joined the brigade’s first company on January 5th, with further recruitment planned.
Israel’s Haredi community, known for its distinctive dress and lifestyle, seeks to minimize contact with the secular majority. Many Haredim view military service as disruptive to their religious practices. The IDF is adapting policies to accommodate their lifestyle.
The government is finalizing legislation to regulate the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews, reportedly increasing conscription numbers but exempting full-time seminary students.