Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Revolt Over Draft Evader Arrests, Disrupting Netanyahu's Agenda

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis have erupted in protest against the government's intensified efforts to detain draft evaders. The demonstrations, marked by road blockades and confrontations with police, threaten to paralyze Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legislative agenda. Haredi parties in the coalition are leveraging the situation, demanding the passage of a controversial law that would restore draft exemptions for yeshiva students.

The crackdown on draft evaders intensified after police announced they would begin detaining individuals previously allowed to go free, following a 2024 High Court ruling. The military has issued tens of thousands of enlistment orders to ultra-Orthodox men whose exemptions were revoked. Many have ignored these orders, leading to a significant number being classified as draft evaders. The Israel Defense Forces face a persistent manpower shortage, with an estimated 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 eligible for service but not enlisted.

Ultra-Orthodox lawmakers have escalated their rhetoric, threatening tax revolts and urging police to disobey orders. Some have even called for direct action against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a key figure in enforcing the detentions. These statements have fueled street actions, particularly by members of the hardline Jerusalem Faction, who have actively worked to obstruct arrests. The unrest has brought chaos to Israeli streets, highlighting a deep rift between the secular government and the ultra-Orthodox community over military conscription.

“

Our great fear was that it would move over the Green Line into Israel, and we are at the start of such an event. We’ve warned about this. There’s a fear it will come into the big urban centers of Israel.