Tens of Thousands Protest Israels Military Draft in Jerusalem

Jerusalem witnessed a significant demonstration on Thursday as tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered to protest against Israels military conscription law. The protest aimed to resist efforts to draft seminary students into the armed forces, a move that ultra-Orthodox communities argue violates their religious rights and disrupts their study of Jewish law.

The demonstration, which brought Jerusalems main entrance to a standstill, saw an estimated 200,000 participants, with crowds occupying roofs and cranes. Tragically, a 15-year-old fell to his death during the event, prompting a police investigation.

This issue poses a considerable political challenge for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose coalition faces increasing strain over the controversial conscription issue.

Historically exempt, the ultra-Orthodox community’s long-standing exclusion from mandatory service was challenged by a Supreme Court order last year, leading to draft notices and arrests that have further inflamed tensions.