Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Highway in Protest Against IDF Draft
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators have obstructed a significant highway close to Tel Aviv and engaged in confrontations with law enforcement regarding IDF conscription initiatives. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Protesters took to a major highway near Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on Thursday to voice their opposition to mandatory military service for Haredi men, who had previously been exempt from conscription.
In Israel, military service is compulsory for most citizens, with men and women required to serve between 24 and 32 months. Historically, Haredi Jews have been exempt from service since Israel's establishment in 1948. However, in June of last year, the Israeli Supreme Court revoked this exemption. This ruling coincided with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seeking to address personnel shortages, particularly during its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. Following the court’s decision, conscription notices began to be sent to Haredi men in August, but few have chosen to enlist voluntarily according to IDF reports.
On Thursday, demonstrators aligned with the Jerusalem Faction, a hardline ultra-Orthodox movement, organized a sit-in on Route 4 in the vicinity of Bnei Brak. They effectively halted traffic in both directions and clashed with police who attempted to disperse them.
The protesters expressed their sentiments through slogans such as, “We will die and not enlist,” while holding banners that criticized military service. According to police accounts, they directed insults at officers, labeling them “Nazis.” After several hours of protest, authorities managed to clear the highway by late evening.
Videos circulated online depicted police officers and IDF servicemen physically removing protesters from the roadway, although no arrests were reported.
This protest came shortly after the IDF began enlisting recruits for its new ultra-Orthodox unit, the Hasmonean Brigade. An announcement on January 5 indicated that around 50 Haredi recruits had joined the brigade’s first company, with plans for additional recruitment rounds expected to take place this month, aiming for another 100 Haredi men to be inducted into the brigade’s initial reserve company.
Israel is home to over a million Haredi individuals, characterized by their distinct black clothing and wide-brimmed hats for men, and modest dress worn by women. Many within this community strive to minimize interactions with the secular Jewish majority. They often feel that military service could interfere with their religious practices, including Torah study, prayer, and customs that restrict contact with the opposite sex. The IDF has stated it is making adjustments to its training methods and bases to respect these religious practices.
The Israeli government is in the process of finalizing legislation aimed at regulating the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Reports suggest that the draft will expand the number of Haredim subject to conscription while maintaining exemptions for those enrolled in full-time religious study.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
In Israel, military service is compulsory for most citizens, with men and women required to serve between 24 and 32 months. Historically, Haredi Jews have been exempt from service since Israel's establishment in 1948. However, in June of last year, the Israeli Supreme Court revoked this exemption. This ruling coincided with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) seeking to address personnel shortages, particularly during its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. Following the court’s decision, conscription notices began to be sent to Haredi men in August, but few have chosen to enlist voluntarily according to IDF reports.
On Thursday, demonstrators aligned with the Jerusalem Faction, a hardline ultra-Orthodox movement, organized a sit-in on Route 4 in the vicinity of Bnei Brak. They effectively halted traffic in both directions and clashed with police who attempted to disperse them.
The protesters expressed their sentiments through slogans such as, “We will die and not enlist,” while holding banners that criticized military service. According to police accounts, they directed insults at officers, labeling them “Nazis.” After several hours of protest, authorities managed to clear the highway by late evening.
Videos circulated online depicted police officers and IDF servicemen physically removing protesters from the roadway, although no arrests were reported.
This protest came shortly after the IDF began enlisting recruits for its new ultra-Orthodox unit, the Hasmonean Brigade. An announcement on January 5 indicated that around 50 Haredi recruits had joined the brigade’s first company, with plans for additional recruitment rounds expected to take place this month, aiming for another 100 Haredi men to be inducted into the brigade’s initial reserve company.
Israel is home to over a million Haredi individuals, characterized by their distinct black clothing and wide-brimmed hats for men, and modest dress worn by women. Many within this community strive to minimize interactions with the secular Jewish majority. They often feel that military service could interfere with their religious practices, including Torah study, prayer, and customs that restrict contact with the opposite sex. The IDF has stated it is making adjustments to its training methods and bases to respect these religious practices.
The Israeli government is in the process of finalizing legislation aimed at regulating the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Reports suggest that the draft will expand the number of Haredim subject to conscription while maintaining exemptions for those enrolled in full-time religious study.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
