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Transfer of Yeshiva Students to Military Custody Triggers Nationwide Ultra‑Orthodox Protests

The move marks a shift to active enforcement of draft rules and raises the risk of wider clashes and transport disruption across central Israel.

Overview

  • Authorities transferred roughly 17–19 yeshiva students to military police custody on Wednesday, a step that protest organizers say crossed a red line and prompted an emergency mobilization.
  • Peleg Yerushalmi led coordinated demonstrations at prisons and transport hubs while the Eidah HaChareidis ordered kollelim closed and formally joined calls for mass protests.
  • Protesters deliberately blocked major highways and temporarily entered railway areas, forcing Israel Railways to suspend service and leaving central routes paralyzed before police reopened them.
  • Police deployed riot units, Border Police, mounted officers and stun grenades to clear sites, and emergency services treated multiple injured people including a 93‑year‑old man in serious condition.
  • Organizers circulated strict discipline rules warning against track incursions even as they vowed to escalate if detainees remain under military jurisdiction, creating a volatile standoff with legal and political fallout likely to follow.