Ultra-Orthodox Parties Back Planned Mass Protest Against Draft Enforcement

Senior figures in the ultra-Orthodox parties have approved a large-scale protest plan against military conscription, according to Kan News. The effort was discussed last night by senior leaders in Degel HaTorah, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators.

The planned action would send convoys of cars from across the country toward a military prison. The vehicles are expected to carry loudspeakers and flags, with the aim of deliberately slowing traffic on major routes and protesting the jailing of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders. Leading figures from all the ultra-Orthodox parties and different factions are said to be involved, and the Lithuanian leadership has already given formal approval.

The organizers are preparing to launch the protest in the coming days, with Wednesday now seen as the preferred date. Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked the main road at the Gilat junction near Ofakim after a draft evader was arrested by the Military Police. Clashes broke out, and some demonstrators actively prevented vehicles from passing.

Overnight, signs were also hung at the entrances to all ultra-Orthodox cities, including Ashdod and Jerusalem, warning the Military Police not to enter those areas or carry out arrests there. The sign placed at the entrance to Jerusalem was removed during the morning.