Full Breakdown
Haredi Anti-Conscription Convoys Blocked at Kfar Yona Prison Protest
6/26/2026, 7:58:10 AM
Convoys Blocked at Neve Tzedek Prison
On Wednesday, convoys of ultra-Orthodox protesters from 19 points headed to the Neve Tzedek (Beit Lid) prison in Kfar Yona, where draft-evading yeshiva students are held. Police redirected the cars to a parking lot and residents formed a barrier, stopping most vehicles. The protest lasted about four hours before participants turned back.
Draft Exemption Revocation
Ultra-Orthodox men historically enjoyed blanket draft exemptions. In 2024 the Israeli High Court ended the exemption, and the IDF issued enlistment orders to men aged 18-24, estimating about 80,000 eligible ultra-Orthodox. Many ignored the orders, prompting arrests and tension.
On-the-Ground Impact
Police blocked the convoy at Kfar Yona’s entrance and redirected drivers while residents formed a barrier. Traffic on highways stalled for 2.5 hours. Clashes occurred in Arad and near Ashdod, where a vehicle’s window was smashed. Magen David Adom treated a pregnant woman with abdominal trauma and a 29-year-old woman evacuated after a collision.
Official Responses
Israel Police said demonstrators breached agreements, causing highway congestion and requiring traffic redirection; officers also turned away anyone trying to enter the prison. The IDF confirmed its enlistment orders remain in force and reported no new arrests. Magen David Adom confirmed treatment of a 29-year-old woman with moderate abdominal injuries.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leaders denounced the convoys. Naftali Bennett called the demonstrators “privileged draft dodgers” and vowed to cut benefits for evaders if elected. Yair Lapid blamed Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition for the protests. Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu said Shas and United Torah Judaism “hold the Haredi public hostage” for power and money. Gadi Eisenkot of Yashar called the protest “Netanyahu’s legacy” and pledged a government serving national interests.
Conflicting Numbers
Organizers claim about 10,000 vehicles joined, while police estimate roughly 1,000; no independent verification exists. Police reported no violence at the prison, yet video shows isolated assaults and vehicle damage elsewhere. The total number of injured participants remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “in an exemplary manner, responsibly, and without any violence.” — Yitzhak Goldknopf, UTJ Chairman
- “blocked my car, forcibly took me out and started beating and strangling me. There were other people there who helped me and rescued me.” — Gedalyahu Eisenstein, Beitar Illit Deputy Mayor
- “anyone who is in pain goes out to the street to show that they are hurting.” — Hanoch Zeibert, Mayor of Bnei Brak
Outlook
Police say they will investigate assaults on protest participants. Opposition parties plan to push for stricter draft enforcement before the upcoming elections. United Torah Judaism and allied Haredi groups warn of continued protests and have threatened tax resistance and early elections if draft policies remain unchanged.
