Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest mandatory military service in central Israel

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated in central Israel on Monday against mandatory military service.

Protesters gathered near a recruitment office in the Tel HaShomer neighborhood to protest the military enlistment of their community, the public broadcaster KAN said.

Video footage showed protesters blocking a road leading to the recruitment office, carrying signs showing opposition to their conscription as police were present at the scene.

For months, the army has faced a personnel shortage amid its ongoing war in Gaza since last Oct. 7, military raids in the West Bank, and cross-border clashes with the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

In June, Israel's Supreme Court mandated the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredi, into the army and banned financial aid to religious institutions whose students refused military service.

Haredi Jews make up about 13% of Israel's population of approximately 9.9 million and do not serve in the military, dedicating their lives to studying the Torah.

Israeli law requires all Israelis over 18 to serve in the military, and the exemption of Haredi has been a contentious issue for decades.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio