Published • loading... • Updated
Ultra-Orthodox protesters block roads around Jerusalem, Bnei Brak at anti-draft rallies
Police used stun grenades and mounted officers as hundreds of Haredi protesters blocked roads and light rail lines over renewed draft arrests.
- On Thursday, hundreds of Haredi protesters from the hardline Jerusalem Faction blocked major roads in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak, disrupting traffic to protest the military's recent decision to resume arresting draft evaders.
- Tensions escalated after the Israel Defense Forces resumed proactive arrests of draft evaders following a two-month pause, prompting activists to utilize a community alert system known as "Black Alert" to mobilize crowds.
- Police Commissioner Danny Levy ordered a "zero tolerance" approach to road blockages, leading officers to use stun grenades and mounted units to disperse crowds at Jerusalem's Chords Bridge and Bnei Brak's Highway 4.
- Demonstrations caused severe traffic jams across highways 1, 2, 4, 6, 40, 41, 65, 70, and 85, while Jerusalem's light rail network split operations into two sections to bypass the unrest.
- The unrest reflects a prolonged dispute over mandatory service, as the High Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that no legal basis exists for the blanket exemption from conscription that many ultra-Orthodox leaders argue protects Torah study.
Insights by Ground AI
10 Articles
10 Articles
In Israel, Ultra-Orthodox Jews held anti-conscription protests in West Jerusalem and Bnei Brak, and police responded harshly to the demonstrators. During the protests, where demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Nazis" and "We'd rather die than go to the army," two Haredi protesters were reportedly detained.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left1Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Right
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
60% Right
L 20%
C 20%
R 60%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
