Hundreds of Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jews Paralyze Jerusalem Protesting Israeli Military Draft

Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews flooded West Jerusalem and effectively shut the city down to protest Israel’s push to draft yeshiva students.

“The article discusses the ongoing controversy in Israel over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, who have traditionally been exempt due to full-time religious study”

Al Jazeera

Organizers and reporters described mass road blockages, closed rail service, and gridlock.

Al Jazeera

Middle East Monitor reports the crowd shut Israel’s main highway and Jerusalem’s train station.

Outlook India says roughly 200,000 men blocked key entry points.

NewsBreak describes a prayer-vigil-style mass protest that caused major disruptions.

Al Jazeera also reports “around 200,000” marching and causing unrest.

The National offers a lower estimate, describing “thousands” marching and some arson, underscoring how scale and emphasis vary by outlet.

The protesters targeted Israel’s plan to end long-standing draft exemptions for yeshiva students, a policy that multiple outlets trace back to 1948 and that courts and politicians have fought over repeatedly.

NewsBreak says the Supreme Court ruled last year the exemptions lack legal basis and the army needs thousands more soldiers.

Evrim Ağacı

Al Jazeera adds that in 2023 the court ruled ultra-Orthodox men must be drafted unless a new law says otherwise, destabilizing Netanyahu’s coalition.

The National cites a June 2024 ruling that the exemption must end and notes a parliamentary push to enforce conscription.

Outlook India and Al Jazeera stress that authorities view higher Haredi enlistment as a manpower solution as Israel wages war in Gaza.

Haredi leaders describe the draft as a fundamental threat to their religious community.

Middle East Monitor highlights banners stating “The people are with the Torah” and “Closing the yeshiva — a death sentence for Judaism.”

It also notes an unusual unity between Shas and United Torah Judaism.

NewsBreak reports that leaders insist military service conflicts with their lifestyle and that prayer and study protect the nation.

The National provides additional perspective, mentioning some rabbis support enlistment for men not engaged in full-time study.

The crowds included participants from the diaspora who emphasized religious dedication rather than outright opposition to service.

Evrim Ağacı observes that some within the community are quietly open to compromise, but the demonstration revealed strong resistance to concessions.

The protest turned dangerous in specific incidents.

The Forward reports protesters attacked two ultra-Orthodox soldiers, a police officer, and journalists, including Channel 12 reporter Inbar Twizer.

Indiatimes

It also details protesters entering construction sites, climbing cranes, and a 15-year-old boy falling to his death.

Middle East Monitor separately reports demonstrators attacked Channel 12 and Channel 13 crews.

The National corroborates the fatal fall and adds acts of arson.

After organizers tried to end the event, The Forward says some protesters stayed and fought Israeli border police at Jerusalem’s entrance.

The political stakes are high.

“Creating new perspectives since 2009 October 30, 2025 at 5:19 pm Tens of thousands of Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews gather to protest against mandatory military service during the “Million March” demonstration in West Jerusalem on October 30, 2025”

Middle East Monitor

Al Jazeera says UTJ’s departure from Netanyahu’s government followed the court’s draft ruling.

Middle East Monitor

The National describes ongoing threats by ultra-Orthodox parties to withdraw support or resign from posts as legislation advances.

Middle East Monitor reports critics accuse Netanyahu of pushing a permanent exemption to lure ultra-Orthodox parties back.

Outlook India highlights claims that bringing Haredim into the army could ease manpower shortages as Israel wages war in Gaza.

Evrim Ağacı adds public anger from reservists and the bereaved—reporting more than 900 Israeli soldiers dead in the Gaza war and multiple reservist tours—fueling resentment that Haredim avoid combat while others absorb the burden.