Move FM Global News

JERUSALEM, Israel: Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men crowded the entrance to Jerusalem late last week, forming a sea of black clothing as they protested plans to draft them into the Israeli military. They sang, clapped, and held signs saying they would rather go to jail than enlist.

The long-standing draft exemption for the ultra-Orthodox has become a significant source of tension in Israel and now threatens Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. His coalition depends on ultra-Orthodox parties, but their push for a permanent exemption law could end up collapsing his government and triggering early elections.

Israel shut down the main highway leading into Jerusalem and deployed more than 2,000 police officers as the vast crowds of ultra-Orthodox, known as haredim, filled the streets. Police said a teenage boy died after falling from a nearby construction site during the mainly peaceful demonstration. Much of the city ground to a halt, with road closures and public transportation suspended.

The ultra-Orthodox community numbers about 1.3 million people—around 13 percent of Israel’s population. Many believe their religious studies should take priority over military service. When Israel was founded in 1948, only a small group of exceptional scholars were exempt from service. But political pressure over the decades has dramatically expanded the number of exemptions. Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in 2017 that the policy was illegal, yet governments have repeatedly stalled on replacing it.

The dispute has grown sharper during the ongoing war in Gaza. Over 900 Israeli soldiers have been killed, and many reservists have served multiple long tours. Military leaders warn that more troops are urgently needed. This year, the military issued draft notices to 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 26, but fewer than 3,000 joined last year.

The protest had the atmosphere of a mass prayer rally, with spiritual music blasting from speakers. Because of strict rules against mixing unmarried men and women, it was almost entirely male, with a small section for women set apart. Demonstrators even chased away a female television reporter who tried to cover the event.

Many protesters said the military would threaten their religious way of life. “An 18-year-old can be put in jail for wanting to dedicate his life to learning Torah,” said Baruch Debchic.

Police used water cannons later in the evening to disperse remaining demonstrators.

Ultra-Orthodox parties had previously left Netanyahu’s fragile coalition over disagreements about the draft bill, though they often continue to support him in votes. Pushing ahead with the legislation could once again destabilize his government. Elections are officially set for next November, but analysts say the political crisis could force a much earlier vote.

The huge demonstration came after lawmakers advanced the controversial draft bill to a committee this week—an early step toward a full vote in parliament.