![Police takes security measures as Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) gather to stage a protest against compulsory military service by blocking the main road and preventing the light rail from passing in Jerusalem on October 22, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AA-20251022-39491438-39491412-ULTRAORTHODOX_JEWS_PROTEST_MANDATORY_MILITARY_SERVICE_IN_WEST_JERUSALEM.jpg)
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked a major road near Tel Aviv on Monday evening to protest the arrest of a draft evader from their community, according to Israeli media, Anadolu Agency reports. Channel 12 reported that Haredi protesters blocked Highway 4, a vital roadway in the Gush Dan of Tel Aviv area. It said the protest was triggered by the arrest of a draft evader, who had managed to escape from the military police with the help of protesters who arrived at the scene and overturned a police vehicle. Military service in Israel is compulsory for all men and women aged 18. Haredi, who make up about 13% of Israel’s population of 10 million, claim military service threatens their religious […]
