Ultra-Orthodox extremists block roads, clash with public over arrest of draft dodgers

Hundreds of extremist ultra-Orthodox men, primarily from the Jerusalem Faction, blocked roads in central Israel on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to protest the arrests of Haredi draft evaders. The demonstrations, which occurred during rush hour, led to clashes with police and the public, with protesters throwing objects and damaging vehicles. One police officer was lightly injured, and a cyclist was assaulted. Banners displayed grievances, including opposition to the IDF’s Haredi Hasmonean Brigade, with slogans like “better to die Haredi than to enlist in the Hasmonean Brigade.”

“we will die and not enlist.”

The protests took place despite recent government legislation aimed at halting such arrests, which the High Court subsequently froze. A separate protest by the Sanz Hasidic sect also occurred near Neve Tzedek Military Prison. These events highlight ongoing tensions regarding ultra-Orthodox military conscription amid Israel's manpower shortages and a 2024 High Court ruling requiring the drafting of yeshiva students.