Ultra-Orthodox Protests Escalate Over Draft Detentions and Recruitment Delays in Israel

Widespread ultra-Orthodox protests are set to intensify across Israel on Thursday evening in response to recent detentions of draft dodgers and the delay of a Haredi woman at the Tel Hashomer recruitment office. The Jerusalem Faction plans to block Highway 4 near the Geha and Givat Shmuel interchanges as part of their demonstration against the arrests. Concurrently, the Sanz Hasidic group announced a protest rally outside Prison 10, with participation from their Rebbe and rabbis, following the detention of two deserters affiliated with their community.

Meanwhile, the Edah HaChareidis faction claims a Haredi woman, reportedly the wife of a student from a prominent yeshiva, was held up at the recruitment center, warning of "surprises" in response. Police have issued warnings of traffic disruptions on Highway 4 from Aluf Sadeh interchange to Em HaMoshavot in both directions starting at 4 p.m., as well as congestion and blockages on Jabotinsky Road in Bnei Brak. Authorities recommend using alternative routes and staying updated on conditions.

These protests follow a recent Supreme Court interim injunction freezing a law passed in a coalition legislative blitz that aimed to halt the detention of yeshiva students until November 30, after the upcoming Knesset elections. The law’s suspension has heightened tensions within the Haredi community regarding ongoing enforcement of military conscription orders.