Ultra-Orthodox March in Jerusalem Protests Military Draft Evasion

A large procession organized by extremist ultra-Orthodox factions took place in Jerusalem on Tuesday, "honoring" draft dodgers recently released from military prison. The march, which began in the Geula neighborhood, caused numerous street closures. Organizers distributed hundreds of shekels to approximately 50 draft dodgers who attended, out of about 100 invited.

This event follows a similar, more politically charged procession in Bnei Brak earlier in the week, initiated by the new ultra-Orthodox protest party "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Flag). This party advocates for a blanket exemption from military service for the ultra-Orthodox community and aims to attract disillusioned voters from established ultra-Orthodox parties.

The Jerusalem marchers displayed signs comparing the draft dodgers to hostages, with slogans such as "Free the hostages from Prison 10." While the procession was coordinated with the police, officers were not visibly present on the ground. Organizers stated they oppose violence and hoped for a peaceful event.

The issue of draft evasion has intensified political debate. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, criticized the government, stating, "The upcoming elections are between a government of evasion and a Zionist government of enlistment." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also attacked the government, calling the marchers "Netanyahu's partners" and asserting, "Without the evaders, Bibi has no government."

Despite the protests, there has been a recent lull in proactive arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, with blame shifting between the IDF and the police. The IDF claims the police require advance coordination for arrests to prevent disturbances but struggle to schedule them. The police, however, state that military police are responsible for these arrests. Official figures indicate that as of June 11, 165 draft dodgers were arrested this year, only 16 of whom were ultra-Orthodox, despite their growing proportion among evaders. Arrests continue primarily at Ben Gurion Airport, where no proactive operation is needed.