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Thousands of religious Jews, known as Haredim, demonstrated in West Jerusalem on Tuesday evening against conscription in the Israeli army, which they described as the 'enemy's army,' according to Hebrew media.
Channel 12 reported that the march, which involved thousands of Haredim, 'was launched in honor of draft evaders recently released from military prison.'
The channel added: 'The march started from the Geula neighborhood in Jerusalem, leading to the closure of several streets, and at its conclusion, financial rewards will be distributed to those who evaded conscription, with each receiving hundreds of shekels (3 shekels to the dollar).
Yediot Aharonot reported that the draft evaders arrived at the march by bus and were received with great enthusiasm.
Protesters carried signs that read: 'Release the abductees from Prison No. 10 (military prison) so they will never serve in the enemy's army,' and others carried signs that read 'We die but we do not enlist.'
The Haredim constitute about 13% of Israel's population of over 10 million, and they refuse to perform military service, claiming that they are dedicated to studying the Torah, considering that integration into secular society threatens their religious identity.
The conflict over Haredi conscription is exacerbated by the continuous summoning of hundreds of reserve soldiers, amid ongoing escalation on several fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and the occupied West Bank.
For decades, members of this community have received repeated deferments from military service on the grounds of studying in religious institutions, until they reach the age of exemption, currently set at 26.
In June 2024, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that Haredim must perform military service and stop financial support for religious institutions whose students refuse to enlist.
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