Story perspectives

Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Block Highway Over Draft Exemption Debate

12/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Jerusalem Faction of Haredi protesters blocked Highway 4 in Bnei Brak on December 28, 2025, in response to draft evader arrests.
Demonstrators described detainees as hostages and chanted against military enlistment.
Police arrested two protesters amid clashes while allowing the protest to continue.
The Knesset was debating a draft exemption bill that would exempt over 95% of ultra-Orthodox men from conscription, with legal opinions calling it unconstitutional and unequal.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Israel's Knesset enacted a draft exemption law for over 60,000 ultra-Orthodox men, igniting protests and legal challenges over perceived inequality in military service obligations. By June 2024, Israel's Supreme Court ruled these exemptions unlawful, leading to the drafting of Haredi men and escalating tensions within Israeli society regarding military conscription and religious exemptions.

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Story summary

The Jerusalem Faction of Haredi protesters blocked Highway 4 in Bnei Brak on December 28, 2025, in response to draft evader arrests.
Demonstrators described detainees as hostages and chanted against military enlistment.
Police arrested two protesters amid clashes while allowing the protest to continue.
The Knesset was debating a draft exemption bill that would exempt over 95% of ultra-Orthodox men from conscription, with legal opinions calling it unconstitutional and unequal.

1 / 2