Ultra‑Orthodox Protesters Clash with Israeli Military Police Over Draft Exemption

In early October, hundreds of ultra‑Orthodox men in Modi’in confronted Israeli military police after the authorities attempted to arrest a young Haredi man who had not reported for compulsory military service. The incident highlights a growing rift in Israeli society: the ultra‑Orthodox community, which now makes up roughly 14 % of the population and could reach a third of the Jewish population by 2050, has long been exempt from military service and receives substantial state subsidies—about 35 billion shekels (≈£8.4 bn) annually. As Israel faces ongoing conflicts with Hamas and settler violence in the West Bank, the debate over the community’s special status and its impact on national security and the economy has intensified. The dispute also carries political weight, as smaller parties—including those representing Haredi interests—are pivotal in forming future governments, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s prospects depend on maintaining their support.