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Anti-draft protests by ultra-Orthodox (haredi) demonstrators intensified in Jerusalem and across Israel, with dozens of protesters attempting to storm a military police station and damaging police vehicles. The unrest, which followed the arrest of a suspected draft dodger, has prompted police raids and sharp condemnations from political figures.

Coverage comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post detail a series of incidents over several days, beginning with a protest at the Oz military police station in Jerusalem. According to Israel Police, dozens of haredi protesters gathered outside the station after a suspected IDF deserter was arrested overnight. The protesters caused chaos and damaged the tires of three police cars. Officers from the station, along with the Special Patrol Unit and Border Police, prevented the protesters from entering and dispersed them "through the usage of force and by means of dispersal of demonstrations." One Border Police officer was lightly injured during the altercation.

A separate incident occurred in Beit Shemesh, where haredi rioters broke into a police station following the arrest of an alleged draft dodger. Citing a Walla report, the Jerusalem Post said dozens of protesters gathered outside the station and several attempted to break into the compound, with some succeeding. Nearby vegetation was set on fire, endangering local residents, though the fire did not spread to buildings. Police dispersed the riot using batons and stun grenades, according to Ynet.

The protests were part of a broader wave of demonstrations called to denounce attempts to draft haredim into the IDF and the military's policy of increasing enforcement against draft dodgers. On Monday, protesters disrupted traffic across Israel, including on Highways 4 and 1 and at Jerusalem's Chords Bridge, and blocked train tracks near Ben-Gurion Airport. Police announced they were attempting to disperse protesters blocking the entrance to Jerusalem and redirecting vehicles. The protesters also blocked the light rail system in Jerusalem.

In a related incident, protesters rioted outside the home of the commander of the National Traffic Police, according to N12 News. Police later arrived at the commander's house and attempted to disperse the rioters using flash grenades. Ynet reported that two of the protesters were arrested.

Key claims

  • In Jerusalem, dozens of haredi protesters attempted to storm the Oz military police station, damaging the tires of three police cars. One Border Police officer was lightly injured. (Jerusalem Post)
  • In Beit Shemesh, haredi rioters broke into a police station, set nearby vegetation on fire, and eight protesters were arrested. (Jerusalem Post, citing Walla and Israel Police)
  • The protests were sparked by reports of a draft dodger's arrest, but in at least one case the report turned out to be false, with the police activity related to a traffic offense. (Jerusalem Post, citing Ynet)
  • Protests disrupted traffic across Israel, including on Highways 4 and 1 and at Jerusalem's Chords Bridge, and blocked train tracks near Ben-Gurion Airport. (Jerusalem Post)
  • The Knesset advanced a bill to give draft evaders the same rights as IDF soldiers. (Jerusalem Post)
  • Airport operations continued as normal amid the protests, according to the Israel Airports Authority. (Jerusalem Post)

Perspectives

Israeli politicians

Several Israeli politicians condemned the riots. Former IDF chief of staff and Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot called for the arrest and harsh prosecution of all those who took part in the riot, describing the break-in as a "black flag over Israeli democracy." He blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MKs from Likud and the Religious Zionist Party for the incident.

Opposition leaders

Democrats Party leader Yair Golan blamed the government's policies for the unrest, calling the riot a "practical translation" of the haredi draft law. He accused Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of turning draft refusal into a coalition anchor and abandoning police officers. "The rioters understand they have backing, and that it's permissible to assault those in uniform," Golan wrote on X.

Police officials

Jerusalem District Police Commander Avshalom Peled vowed to take a tough stance, saying, "We will not tolerate anarchy and will not allow harm to police officers or police facilities." He described the Beit Shemesh incident as "crossing a red line and a direct attack on the legal institutions of the State of Israel." Police conducted targeted arrests, raiding the homes of suspects connected to the June 1 riots.