Israeli Military to Begin Drafting Ultra-Orthodox Men on Sunday Amid Protests

Jul 16, 2024, 05:13 PM

The Israeli military announced it will begin sending draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men starting Sunday. This decision follows a landmark Supreme Court order mandating the conscription of young religious men into military service. The move has sparked significant unrest, with ultra-Orthodox communities staging protests and riots, particularly in Tel Aviv, where roads have been blocked and clashes with police have occurred. The draft notices target ultra-Orthodox seminary students who were previously exempt from military service. The decision could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and lead to further large-scale protests. Members of the Haredi community have been particularly vocal, and two army officers were injured in the clashes.