Netanyahu Warns of Internal Strife Amidst Haredi Draft Protests

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, …

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned against the possibility of civil war among Israelis, emphasizing the critical need for internal unity to confront the nation’s challenges. He stated that allowing civil conflict to break out is unacceptable.

The prime minister’s warning comes amid protests by supporters of the extremist Haredi movement in Bnei Brak, who blocked sections of Highway 4. These demonstrations were sparked by the arrest of a young Haredi man, identified as “Johfi,” on charges of evading mandatory military service. The protests caused widespread disruption to vehicle traffic.

According to reports from Israeli media outlets, protesters blocked the highway in both the northern direction near the Aluf Sade junction and the southern direction at the Em HaMoshavot junction. This resulted in severe traffic congestion in the area. The Israeli police had previously urged drivers to avoid the vicinity and warned of potential traffic jams and further road closures on Jabotinsky Street in Bnei Brak.

These protests commenced following the arrest of Johfi, a student at a Jewish religious school, known as a yeshiva. The Haredi organization “Ad Kan” described the young man’s arrest as an “abduction” and stated that he had been transferred to military prison.

Sources within the Israeli regime indicate that Johfi had recently transferred to a new religious school. He arrived late to his new institution due to what was described as a transportation issue. Upon identification as an individual subject to military service, the student was handed over to military police.

Haredi parties, which wield considerable political influence, have historically secured exemptions from military service for their adherents, enabling them to pursue studies in religious schools and institutions instead of serving in the army. However, these exemptions are now facing potential revocation.

With the Israeli military experiencing a significant shortage of personnel, military commanders are actively seeking to extend the duration of mandatory service. Under current regulations, most Jewish men are required to complete approximately three years of military service, followed by years in the reserves. Jewish women are obligated to perform two years of compulsory service.

The issue of Haredi military conscription has emerged as one of the most significant internal political crises for the Israeli regime in recent months. Disagreements over this matter have placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition at risk of collapse, potentially leading to early elections.