Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men are set to gather at Jerusalem's main entrance on Thursday for a large-scale protest against military conscription, causing significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. The rally, which unites nearly all factions of the ultra-Orthodox community for the first time in years, is a response to recent crackdowns on draft dodgers that led to hundreds of arrests.

Major road closures will begin at midday, with Route 1 closed to private vehicles and only buses carrying demonstrators allowed entry to Jerusalem. Residents along the affected stretch will need identification to pass police checkpoints, while alternative routes and partial public transportation services will be available. The Jerusalem Light Rail will operate on a limited basis, and several bus lines will be diverted or suspended during the protest.

The demonstration is also impacting schools and community services, with closures announced in areas between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Within Jerusalem, schools are expected to remain open, but parents and staff have been advised to monitor updates. Despite the unity among participants, divisions remain over the issue of conscription, with each faction occupying separate spaces and no speeches planned, only communal prayers and recitations.