WATCH: Anti-draft protesters try to block roads into Tel Hashomer base, prevent haredi enlistment

Anti-draft protesters attempted to block access roads leading to the Tel Hashomer IDF recruitment base in central Israel on Monday morning, as the second day of the August 2026 haredi draft cycle commenced. The protest took place near Ya'akov Dori Street in Kiryat Ono, stretching from Levi Eshkol Street to Shlomo Hamelech, according to Israel Police, which urged drivers to seek alternative routes. Footage circulating on social media showed protesters clashing with security personnel outside the base as police worked to disperse the crowd and restore traffic flow. The protesters, primarily composed of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) individuals, reportedly spent the night sleeping on the ground outside the base in anticipation of the start of the enlistment process. This marked the second consecutive day of demonstrations against the mandatory conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Earlier in the week, similar protests had taken place, with some efforts aimed at preventing the arrest of a draft dodger who had been caught driving a stolen vehicle. Despite the disruptions, hundreds of haredi men arrived at the Tel Hashomer base on Sunday to begin their military service. Many were being assigned to combat units, including the Netzah Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, the Hashmonaim Brigade, the Hetz Company in the Paratroopers Brigade, and the Negev Unit in the Israeli Air Force. These placements represent a shift toward more active combat roles for haredi recruits, moving away from previous policies that often placed them in non-combat positions. Lt. Col. (res.) Yossi Levi, CEO of the Shomer Yisrael organization, which focuses on integrating haredi men into the IDF, praised the progress made so far. He noted that the number of haredi recruits reaching the base indicated a successful outcome of the organization’s efforts through pre-military academies and haredi hesder yeshivas. “We are seeing a significant step forward today,” Levi said. “The haredi young men arriving at Tel Hashomer this morning prove that it is possible to combine strict adherence to a Torah-based identity with a direct contribution to the country’s security on the front lines.” Among the recruits was Itamar Reinhold, a graduate of the Nitzotz Ba’emunah pre-military academy, who enlisted in the Netzah Yehuda Battalion. His motivation stemmed partly from his brother’s service in the same unit during the Gaza conflict. “I simply wanted to be part of it,” Reinhold said. Another recruit, Shmuel Cohen, emphasized the importance of contributing to national defense. “It is very important for me to contribute to the country and be part of the system that protects all of us.” The recruitment drive is expected to continue over the next two weeks, with hundreds more haredi men scheduled to enter the IDF. The Shomer Yisrael organization has been instrumental in facilitating this integration, working to create frameworks that allow recruits to serve while maintaining their religious practices. According to the organization, these efforts have yielded tangible results, with increasing numbers of haredi men choosing to enlist rather than evade the draft. Earlier in the week, tensions escalated when a group of haredi protesters attempted to block Route 443 following the arrest of a 20-year-old draft dodger found driving a stolen car. Police confirmed that the individual had also been identified as a draft evader. Shortly after his arrest, demonstrators arrived at the location to obstruct the road, prompting further confrontations with law enforcement. As the recruitment period progresses, the IDF continues to deploy security measures to ensure the smooth operation of the enlistment process. Police presence remains high around the Tel Hashomer base, with officers actively monitoring for signs of disruption. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate over haredi conscription remains a contentious issue within Israeli society, reflecting broader discussions about religious exemptions and national service obligations. The current phase of the draft cycle represents a pivotal moment for the integration of haredi men into the military. With more recruits entering combat roles, the IDF is adapting to accommodate their unique needs while ensuring they meet operational requirements. As the process unfolds, the effectiveness of initiatives like those led by Shomer Yisrael will be closely watched, particularly in terms of how well they balance religious commitments with military service.