Haredi protests in Tel Aviv against mandatory military service

The daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that hundreds of Haredim gathered in the city of Bnei Brak, the main center of this religious community, and blocked Highway 4, preventing the movement of vehicles.

Police called on the protesters to clear the road, but they refused to comply. Authorities warned that if the roadblock continued, they would be forced to arrest demonstrators.

According to Hebrew media, protesters also gathered at the Givat Shmuel junction, where they sat on the ground and blocked traffic in both directions. They carried placards reading: “We will die but we will not go to the army.”

The Haredi protests have intensified following the June 25, 2024 ruling of the Israeli Supreme Court, which obligates Haredim to perform mandatory military service and bans financial aid to religious institutions whose students refuse to enlist.

Israel Army Radio reported that the military is facing a shortage of between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers, and the refusal of Haredim to join compulsory service has forced commanders to consider alternative options to make up for the shortfall.