Haredi Leader Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch Predicts State Will Abandon Drafting Ultra-Orthodox Jews

Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a prominent leader in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, stated that ultra-Orthodox Jews will ultimately not be required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Speaking on the "Gedolei HaDor" YouTube channel, Rabbi Hirsch expressed his belief that the government will eventually give up on enforcing conscription for the Haredi community. He told activist Shimon Shisha, who supports ultra-Orthodox detainees refusing military service, that he hopes the state will recognize the draft as unfeasible and reconsider its approach.

Rabbi Hirsch also warned that sanctions against the Haredi community could escalate, including the potential loss of voting rights. He said, "In the end, they will take away some of our rights, and eventually cancel the right to vote... ultimately, they will not allow us to vote in elections."

Meanwhile, protests against the arrest of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men have resumed after a two-week lull. Dozens of extremist Haredim are expected to block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak today in response to the detention of a yeshiva student who refused to enlist. The "Am Kadosh" organization reported that Israel Gochfi, a student from the Beit Midrash Elyon yeshiva in Bnei Brak who recently transferred to Kfar Hassidim yeshiva, was arrested by police in Haifa due to a transit card issue and handed over to military police. "Am Kadosh" is providing him with legal aid and family support.

Following the arrest, students affiliated with Rabbi Tzvi Friedman, a leader of the more militant Jerusalem faction, announced plans to protest by blocking roads near Bnei Brak. The summer months had seen few arrests and relatively calm protests, but tensions have now reignited with these recent developments.