Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Men Block Major Highway in Israel to Protest Military Enlistment Ruling

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men brought a major highway in central Israel to a grinding halt on Thursday, protesting a recent Supreme Court decision that orders young religious men to enlist for military service. The two-hour blockade, which saw protesters sitting on the highway and lying on the ground, was met with a heavy police response, with officers mounted on horseback charging into the crowd.

The roots of the protest lie in the long-standing arrangement between the Israeli government and ultra-Orthodox parties, which has exempted young religious men from military service, allowing them instead to study in religious seminaries. This exemption has bred widespread resentment among the broader public, particularly during the eight-month war against Hamas in Gaza, which has seen over 600 soldiers killed and tens of thousands of reservists activated, straining careers, businesses, and family lives.

The ultra-Orthodox community sees their full-time religious study as their contribution to protecting the state, and many fear that greater contact with secular society through the military will distance adherents from strict observance of the faith. "We all came here for one goal, we reflect the position of all the Orthodox public," said a young protester, identifying himself only by his first name Ozer. "All the Orthodox public prefers to go to prison and not to the army."

The Supreme Court's decision this week to order the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men has sparked widespread outrage among the community, with many seeing it as an attack on their way of life. The decision could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which make up roughly 13% of Israel's population but wield significant political power, have threatened to quit the government if the decision is not reversed.

Why it Matters : The ultra-Orthodox community's opposition to military service is not just a matter of religious principle; it also has significant implications for Israeli politics and society. The community's political power, which has allowed them to maintain their exemption from military service, has also enabled them to shape policy and influence the direction of the country. If the ultra-Orthodox parties were to quit the government, it could lead to new elections and a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

The protest on Thursday was just the beginning, with a large protest scheduled for Sunday in Jerusalem. As the ultra-Orthodox community continues to mobilize against the Supreme Court's decision, the stakes will only continue to rise. Will the government be able to find a way to balance the needs of the ultra-Orthodox community with the demands of the broader public, or will the issue tear the country apart?

Key Takeaways :

• Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men blocked a central Israeli highway to protest a Supreme Court decision mandating military service.
• The ultra-Orthodox community values full-time religious study as their contribution to the state and fears military service will erode their religious observance.
• The Supreme Court's decision threatens Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, as ultra-Orthodox parties may quit if the ruling isn't reversed.
• The ultra-Orthodox community's political influence makes their opposition to military service a critical issue in Israeli politics.
• Thursday's protest is just the beginning, with a larger demonstration planned for Sunday in Jerusalem, escalating the stakes in this political conflict.

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