The Israeli army will begin sending conscription to Haredim as of July 21. Following this decision, ultra-Orthodox Jews opposed to military service held a protest on Highway 4 near Biney Barak.
Haredi Protests and Police Intervention
Protesters called the police “Nazis” and chanted “We will die, we will not join the army” and lay down on the road, blocking traffic. Israeli police intervened with force against the prosecutors and detained 9 people. Images of the police intervening with a water cannon and pushing aside those lying on the road were reported in the press.
Anti-Haredi and Political Tension
The issue of religious Jews serving in the military in Israel has come to the fore with the losses suffered by the Israeli army and the attacks on Gaza. While the ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition led by Netanyahu oppose the drafting of religious people, the main opposition leader Yair Lapid supported compulsive military service.
Supreme Court Decision and Results
Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that there is no legal basis for exempting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from compulsive military service. The decision, which comes into effect in 2024, means that Haredim who refuse to serve will not be eligible for state support.
