Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Israelis protest mandatory military enlistment across Israel, with demonstrations escalating into disruption of daily transportation. Reports describe protesters blocking roads and trains in multiple locations. Some accounts also say protesters set cars on fire during the unrest. The demonstrations focus on objections to compulsory military service for Haredi men and reflect broader tensions around the role of the ultra-Orthodox community in national service.
Several outlets characterize the protests as part of a wider wave of action in recent weeks, with some describing increasing intensity. The New York Times adds that the unrest highlights growing divisions within Israeli society as national elections approach. Other outlets emphasize the scale of participation and the impact of the protest on mobility and public order.
Overall, the reports indicate sustained and widespread opposition to the draft, alongside significant interruptions to transportation and localized disturbances during the protests.
