Declaring they would “rather die than enlist,” dozens of Charedi protesters gathered at multiple the Tel Hashomer military induction center to disrupt the drafting of yeshiva bochurim into the IDF. The protesters, affiliated with Peleg Yerushalmi, attempted to block buses by lying in the road, prompting security forces to intervene. The demonstration created frustration among parents of incoming soldiers, who were prevented from accompanying their children onto the base due to heightened security concerns. At least 10 protestors were arrested. The protest – and others held simultaneously in Yerushalayim, Haifa and Kiryat Ono – comes amid a contentious debate in the Knesset over Charedi enlistment. In June, the High Court of Justice ruled that the government could no longer defer mandatory military service for Charedi yeshiva students, further intensifying the dispute. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking to appease Charedi coalition partners, has reportedly pledged to push a bill granting widespread exemptions for Charedi men from compulsory service. The debate has taken on new urgency as the military faces personnel shortages and an increased reliance on reservists due to prolonged conflicts. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)