Haredi Protest in Bnei Brak Sparks Incendiary Attacks on IDF Chief and Calls Against Government

Tensions over the conscription of Haredi Jews and the detention of yeshiva students escalated during a protest in Bnei Brak on Tuesday night. Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi, a prominent figure in the Sephardic Haredi community, harshly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, calling him "the cursed Chief of Staff, may his name and memory be erased." Yazdi accused the military of promoting violations of Torah law and described the state as "impure," highlighting that soldiers are imprisoned for their religious beliefs.

Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef linked casualties on the front lines to the conscription of Haredim, arguing that soldiers die because authorities and judges restrict Torah scholars. He emphasized that victory in war comes not from defense systems like the Iron Dome but from Torah study. Yosef's speech ended with protestors chanting "Der'i go home," reflecting discontent with political leadership.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a strong condemnation of the inflammatory remarks, affirming that the IDF leadership is committed to protecting Israeli citizens and that any incitement against them is unacceptable and dangerous. Meanwhile, dozens of demonstrators blocked Highway 4 near the Givat Shmuel interchange, defying rabbinical requests to avoid such disruptions.

These events follow a wave of protests last week, where thousands of Haredi drivers formed convoys across Israel demanding the release of yeshiva students arrested for draft evasion. These protests caused significant traffic congestion and led to clashes with local residents in Arad and a multi-vehicle accident near Sha'ar HaGai, injuring a pregnant woman moderately. Political leaders in the Haredi community, including MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, actively participated in the protests, with Goldknopf threatening to "turn the country around" and convert prisons into yeshivas.