From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
One arrested as police clear Haredi anti-draft protest at IDF induction center at Tel Hashomer
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
One demonstrator has been arrested as officers operate to clear an illegal demonstration outside the main IDF induction center at Tel Hashomer, near Tel Aviv, according to police.
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters “attempted to block vehicles while lying on the road,” police say, adding in a statement that while they are continuing to work “to maintain public order and secure the arrival of those coming to the recruitment office,” the demonstration has forced the closure of parts of Yaakov Dori Street, requiring the public to use “alternative routes and avoid the area.”
In a video shared by the police, demonstrators can be heard screaming “Nazi, Nazi” as they are removed from the road.
Haredi demonstrators blocking the road outside the main IDF induction center at Tel Hashomer. They can be heard screaming "Nazi, Nazi" at the police. (video: police) pic.twitter.com/oo1ucp69XM
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) February 4, 2026
“The Israel Police considers the right to protest to be a cornerstone of a democratic country and allows protests as long as they are held within the framework of the law. However, the police will not allow any kind of disorder or violation of freedom of movement or any behavior that may endanger the safety of the public,” the statement adds.
The protest comes as the military has continued to draft Haredim amid a fight in the Knesset over legislation that would enshrine sweeping exemptions from military service for yeshiva students.
The Times of Israel Community.