Hundreds of haredim arrive at Tel Hashomer to enlist in IDF as anti-draft protesters gather

Hundreds of Haredi men arrived at the Tel Hashomer military base on Sunday to enlist in the IDF, with many expressing interest in combat units. This influx was described as "a real jump" by Lt.-Col. (res) Yossi Levi, CEO of the Shomer Yisrael Organization, who stated, "The young men who walked through those gates this morning show you can be fully committed to Torah study and still defend this country on the front line." Potential units for these recruits include the Haredi Paratroopers Company and the Netzah Yehuda Battalion. Security forces were present to manage anti-draft protesters gathered outside the base. This event followed a Friday incident where dozens of Haredi protesters attempted to block Route 443 after police arrested a 20-year-old draft evader who was also caught driving a stolen car.