Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrators gathered around IDF recruitment centers in central Israel to protest the drafting of haredi soldiers, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

Video footage showed the protesters blocking the road outside the Tel Hashomer recruitment center.

Other protesters were seen holding signs asking US President Donald Trump to "save" the haredi men from being recruited.

Israel Police announced that officers were working to regain control over the area outside the IDF recruitment center in Jerusalem, where a "disturbance" had taken place.

Ultra orthodox Jews protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, July 15, 2026.
Ultra orthodox Jews protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, July 15, 2026. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

High Court temporarily freezes law halting arrest of draft evaders

The protests took place shortly before the High Court of Justice temporarily froze a law passed by the Knesset on Tuesday that would halt the arrest and prosecution of haredi draft dodgers.

In response to the court’s decision, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called on law enforcement to disregard the order, saying that an order canceling or “suspending” a law had “no meaning.”