Groups of ultra-Orthodox men intensify protests as tensions mount over a haredi draft bill in the Knesset.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men demonstrate against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who defied army enlistment orders outside the Ashkelon residence of Military Police commander Brig. Gen. Yuval Yamin, May 14, 2026.

(photo credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF, ARIELLA ROITMAN

MAY 14, 2026 23:11

Updated: MAY 15, 2026 08:05

On Thursday evening, dozens of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrators tried to force their way into the Ashkelon home of Military Police commander Brig.-Gen. Yuval Yamin.

The action protested the arrests of haredi individuals evading military draft orders. Israel Police quickly responded to scatter the group.

The IDF issued a firm rebuke, declaring, "We strongly condemn any attempt to harm security forces personnel and their families."

Escalating demonstrations against haredi conscription measure

Ultra-Orthodox men have staged repeated rallies as debates heat up in the Knesset over legislation to enlist haredim into national service.

Only last week, haredi demonstrators entered Yamin's yard while his family was inside the house.

On Sunday, protesters shut down the Bar-Ilan Street area in Jerusalem, hindering traffic and public safety, police reports indicated.

Officers stressed that freedoms of speech and organized protests are protected, but they will not allow outright disruptions to public order.

This week, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir urged the recruitment of substantial numbers of haredim to address severe personnel deficits.

The IDF "must expand, and fast," Zamir emphasized, explaining that more troops are vital for equitable duty distribution and maintaining strength across broadening operations.

During a security cabinet session in late March, Zamir alerted that unresolved shortages could lead to the IDF's downfall.

Yonah Jeremy Bob, Keshet Neev, and Amichai Stein contributed to this report.