Mass Protests Erupt in Israel Against Mandatory Military Draft; One Killed in Jerusalem Demonstrations

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat)** — One of the largest protests in Israel’s history erupted in **Jerusalem**, where **hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews** took to the streets to protest against the government’s decision to enforce **mandatory military service**.

According to international media reports, the demonstrators **blocked major highways and entry routes** to the city, chanting slogans against the government. The protest turned tragic when a **20-year-old man**, identified as *Menachem Mendel Lutzman*, **fell from an under-construction building and died**.

Police confirmed the fatality, after which protest organizers announced an end to the demonstration. However, **clashes between protesters and police** continued in several areas.

Witnesses reported that **angry youths hurled water bottles and sticks at journalists**, while police were forced to intervene to **protect female reporters** who came under attack.

The protest was sparked by the government’s move to **end military exemptions** for *Yeshiva* (religious seminary) students and to **initiate the conscription of Haredi youth**. The move followed an **Israeli court order** mandating the government to begin the draft process.

Religious political parties such as **Shas** and **United Torah Judaism** have strongly opposed the decision, calling it an attack on religious freedom.

During the protest, **traffic gridlocks, train service suspensions**, and **violent altercations** were reported. Police confirmed that **another injured protester later succumbed to his wounds**, bringing the total fatalities to two.