Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested across Israel on Monday, blocking roads and trains and setting cars on fire to oppose mandatory military enlistment. The demonstrations paralyzed Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv area, with police using water cannons and horses to control crowds.
- Protesters blocked major intersections and attacked a soldier near a bus stop. - The military faces severe manpower shortages due to operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties have withdrawn support from Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition, potentially triggering early elections. - Less than 10% of ultra-Orthodox men enlist each year, despite a Supreme Court ruling that exemptions are illegal.
The issue has deeply divided Israeli society, with many secular Israelis viewing military service as a rite of passage, while the ultra-Orthodox community fears it will erode religious observance.