Hundreds Protest Mandatory Military Draft in Bnei Brak

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men gathered in Bnei Brak for a protest against the military draft. Community leaders at the event cursed the army chief and compared the military to the biblical figure Haman. The demonstration took place in the central Israeli city that is home to a large ultra-Orthodox population.

Israel requires most citizens to serve in the military. Ultra-Orthodox communities have long sought exemptions for full-time religious study. Recent changes to draft rules have increased enforcement efforts toward previously exempt groups.

Participants expressed opposition to the policy through speeches and public statements. No arrests or incidents of violence were reported during the gathering.