Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block West Jerusalem Over Military Conscription
An Israeli news outlet reported that demonstrators shut down entry routes near the Chords Bridge, stating that “Haredi protesters are currently blocking the entrance to Jerusalem at the Chords Bridge, protesting the arrest of draft dodgers.”
The report did not provide details on how many people were detained or the exact circumstances surrounding the arrests. However, similar demonstrations have recently been observed in several Israeli cities following police operations targeting draft evaders.
Footage aired by Israeli TV channel showed confrontations between police and large groups of Haredi protesters, including attempts by some demonstrators to approach and storm the residence of the city’s traffic police commander.
Tensions over conscription have been building for months. In March, Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that the military is facing a serious manpower shortage, noting that operational strain and ongoing resistance to conscripting ultra-Orthodox communities are impacting the army’s effectiveness. He called for extending mandatory service requirements.
The protests come amid continued opposition within ultra-Orthodox communities to military enlistment, following a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court on June 25, 2024, which mandated their conscription and ended state funding for religious institutions whose students refuse to serve.
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