Army chief slams Haredi anti-draft protesters: ‘In a multifront war, the IDF needs everyone’

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Ultra-Orthodox men protest the IDF draft outside the Jerusalem enlistment center, April 28, 2025 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Ultra-Orthodox men protest the IDF draft outside the Jerusalem enlistment center, April 28, 2025 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir condemns the clashes that broke out at recruitment offices earlier today during the enlistment of Haredi men.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked roads and harassed conscripts who arrived at the induction centers today.

“At the start of a week that symbolizes the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and the importance of our independence as one united people, I view the actions of a group of extremists with great severity,” Zamir says.

He emphasizes that the IDF values the enlistment of Haredi recruits and is preparing to integrate them in a way that respects the unique needs of their community.

“In the midst of a multifront war, the IDF needs everyone, and we will continue to work toward this goal,” Zamir adds.

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