Ultra-Orthodox Protests in Israel Disrupt Transportation Over Military Draft Dispute
In Israel, tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters have taken to the streets, blocking roads and trains in major cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The demonstrations are in response to the Israeli military's push to extend mandatory service, which currently exempts ultra-Orthodox men who study in religious seminaries. This exemption is under threat due to severe military personnel shortages. The protests have led to significant disruptions, with highways closed and public transportation halted. The ultra-Orthodox community, which constitutes about 13% of Israel's population, has historically been exempt from military service, a policy dating back to the state's founding in 1948. However, the Israeli Supreme Court deemed these exemptions illegal in 2017, although they remain in place due to government delays. 
