On October 30, 2025, around 200,000 ultra-Orthodox men gathered in Jerusalem to protest against military conscription policies. The event was presented as a prayer rally but included demonstrations blocking the city’s main entrances.
Portions of the crowd climbed cranes and unfinished buildings, and clashes occurred with approximately 2,000 police officers deployed in the area. Journalists covering the protest reported harassment and obstruction from some participants.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it requires an additional 12,000 combat soldiers, citing the deaths and injuries of thousands of soldiers over the preceding two years of military conflict. The conscription policy has been a longstanding point of contention within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox communities.
The protest highlighted tensions between religious groups and state authorities regarding mandatory military service, and authorities urged the crowd to maintain order during the demonstration.
