Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men filled the streets of Jerusalem in a massive protest against proposed legislation that would require them to serve in the military. The demonstration, marked by singing, clapping, and signs declaring a preference for jail over enlistment, brought much of the city to a standstill, with major roads closed and public transportation halted. The protest follows deepening divisions in Israeli society over long-standing draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox, an issue that poses a serious threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and could trigger early elections.

The push to codify permanent exemptions has sparked anger among the general public, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as the military faces a shortage of soldiers. Ultra-Orthodox leaders insist that religious study is their community's highest duty, while critics argue that the exemptions are unfair and unsustainable. Attempts to pass new legislation have repeatedly stalled, and the Supreme Court has ruled the current system illegal, leading to mounting political pressure.

Within the ultra-Orthodox community, some voices have called for compromise, but Thursday's protest was intended as a show of unity against any change. The outcome of the proposed bill, set for discussion in the Knesset next week, could determine the future of Netanyahu's fragile coalition and the timing of the next national elections.