Haredi protesters try to break into building in Modi'in following arrest of deserter

Hundreds of Haredi protesters tried to break into the residence of a deserter in Modi'in to protest his arrest. Clashes developed with police. The incident joins a series of Haredi radicalization in the struggle against conscription, including the tearing of a draft order by a yeshiva head and a demonstration supporting released deserters.

Hundreds of Haredi protesters arrived last night (Tuesday) at the home of a deserter in Modi'in, protesting his arrest. Activists tried to break into his apartment building, and clashes developed between them and police. Police said that many forces are operating at the scene to extract soldiers. The incident is part of an escalation in the Haredi struggle against IDF conscription. On Saturday, Rabbi Israel Landa, head of the "Heichal Yitzchak" yeshiva, was recorded tearing a draft order in front of hundreds of his students. The yeshiva is considered relatively moderate, and this act demonstrates the radicalization in the struggle. According to public data, the yeshiva received over 3 million shekels in state support in 2024. Last week, a "welcome home for released deserters" procession took place in Jerusalem, in cooperation with the Jerusalem Faction and the Kanaim of the Edah HaChareidis, where a high cash prize was promised to dozens of released deserters.