A Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protest against mandatory military draft blocked a major highway near Tel Aviv, leading to violent clashes with police. Authorities arrested five individuals and deployed stun grenades and batons to disperse the demonstrators. Eight people were reported injured in the confrontation. The protest centered on opposition to the inclusion of Haredi men in Israel’s mandatory military service. Notably, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his hardline stance and support for forceful responses to protests, publicly criticized the police’s handling of the situation – a rare rebuke. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions surrounding the draft issue and the government’s approach to managing demonstrations. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions.