Tens of Thousands Protest Military Draft in Jerusalem, Threatening Netanyahu’s Government
Jerusalem – Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men converged on Jerusalem today, blocking major roadways and protesting proposed legislation that would require them to participate in Israel’s mandatory military service, a move that could trigger early elections and further destabilize the country’s already fragile political landscape.
The demonstration, largely peaceful aside from a tragic incident where a teenager died after falling from a nearby construction site, effectively paralyzed the city with road closures and halted public transportation. More than 2,000 police officers were deployed to manage the massive crowds, and water cannons were eventually used to disperse protesters who refused to leave the streets. The current exemption for ultra-Orthodox Israelis from military service has been a long-standing point of contention, dating back to 1948, but recent court rulings and the ongoing war in Gaza have intensified calls for reform.
Participants, known as haredim, voiced staunch opposition to military service, believing full-time religious study is their primary duty. “An 18-year-old can be put in jail for wanting to dedicate his life to be a scholar and learn Torah exclusively,” said protester Baruch Debchic, reflecting a widespread fear that military service would compromise their religious traditions. The issue has become particularly sensitive as the military faces critical manpower shortages; in 2025, the military sent draft notices to 80,000 haredi men between the ages of 18 and 26, yet fewer than 3,000 enlisted last year, according to the Israel Defense Forces. This disparity fuels resentment among other Israelis who serve in the military, especially during wartime. For more background on the complexities of Israeli society, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ profile of Israel.
The protests coincide with a critical moment for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government relies on ultra-Orthodox parties for support. Those parties previously left the coalition over the draft legislation but continue to vote with Netanyahu, allowing his government to survive. However, their insistence on a permanent draft exemption, coupled with demands for increased funding, could ultimately force Netanyahu’s hand and lead to early elections, currently scheduled for next November. Officials stated that the enlistment legislation will still be discussed in a Knesset committee next week, despite widespread opposition.
