Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrators flooded into Jerusalem on Thursday to protest against Israel’s mandatory military conscription laws, reigniting one of the country’s most contentious social and political debates.
Israeli media estimated that about 200,000 people participated, making it one of the largest ultra-Orthodox protests in recent years. The mostly male crowds, dressed in traditional black coats and hats, filled the main entrance to the city, blocking traffic and bringing parts of Jerusalem to a standstill.
The protest reflects growing anger within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, community over renewed efforts to enforce compulsory military service for religious seminary students who have long been exempt. The issue has become a major fault line within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox parties for support.
Opponents of the exemptions argue that the current system is unfair, as secular and non-Haredi Israelis bear the full burden of military service. Supporters, however, say that religious study is vital to preserving Jewish tradition and identity.
The government faces mounting pressure from Israel’s Supreme Court to present a new draft framework, a decision that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
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