Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against new military draft exemption rules

“We prefer to die and not go to the Israeli army” Ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed with the police and chained themselves together to block a major highway in central Israel on Monday, protesting against military conscription. This protest followed the Israeli High Court’s decision last week to freeze funding to Jewish seminaries whose students have avoided being drafted into the military. Ultra-Orthodox men have long received exemptions from the compulsory military service that most Jewish men must undergo. These exemptions, granted to the ultra-Orthodox—who make up 13 percent of Israeli society have sparked resentment among the broader public. Subscribe to our channel: Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: Middle East Eye Website: Follow us on TikTok: @middleeasteye Follow us on Instagram: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: