Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Jerusalem Light Rail Over Yeshiva Drafts

On Saturday evening, ultra-Orthodox youths blocked the Jerusalem light rail tracks near Haim Bar Lev and Shevaty Israel streets to protest the conscription of yeshiva students. Following the demonstration and under police instructions, light rail service was temporarily suspended between the Givat HaTahmoshet and City Hall stations, operating only partially along the line. The operating company announced that the trains ran partially from City Hall to Hadassah Ein Kerem and from Givat HaTahmoshet to Neve Yaakov during the disruption.

About half an hour later, the tracks were cleared, and full light rail service resumed along the entire L1 line, which runs between Hadassah Ein Kerem and Neve Yaakov. The company apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their patience. The protest was part of ongoing ultra-Orthodox opposition to the drafting of yeshiva students into the Israeli military.

The police managed the situation to minimize disruption, and no further incidents were reported. The light rail operator confirmed the restoration of normal service shortly after the protest ended.