Bnei Brak Rally for Released Ultra-Orthodox Deserters Sparks Political Storm
A welcoming event in Bnei Brak for released ultra-Orthodox military deserters, organized by the new party Tzeva Shachor, has sparked political turmoil, street violence, and sharp divisions among traditional factions.
A welcoming event held in Bnei Brak for ultra-Orthodox military deserters released from military prison has sparked a major public and political storm in Israel.
The Rise of "Tzeva Shachor"
The celebration, which began in the streets with music and dancing for 160 deserters who were arrested for failing to enlist, quickly turned out to be a planned political event by a new ultra-Orthodox protest party named "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color). Their stated platform is entirely clear: to achieve a full and absolute exemption from military service for all ultra-Orthodox young men.
This move is widely seen as a deliberate challenge and open provocation against traditional, established ultra-Orthodox political parties. These veteran factions found themselves in a difficult bind: on one hand, they cannot publicly attack the event for fear of appearing unsupportive of young men jailed for Torah study. On the other hand, they are deeply displeased by the new initiative, which attempts to outflank them from the right, siphon away their voters, and portray them as compromisers on the draft issue.
Violence and Enforcement Realities
In addition to the political tension, the event deteriorated into severe street violence. Some participants physically and verbally attacked journalists and media personnel who arrived to cover the procession, while event organizers completely failed to control the crowd and calm tensions.
Behind the scenes, figures from the "Tzeva Shachor" party seek to position themselves as a fierce and uncompromising protest wing regarding the military enlistment law and the treatment of deserters. Organizers maintained strict secrecy prior to the gathering, masking it as a simple homecoming rather than a political convention to maximize attendance and project street power within the ultra-Orthodox sector.
"The organizers concealed the true nature of the gathering to maximize turnout and project street power, putting established factions on the defensive."
Meanwhile, the backdrop features shifting dynamics in the enforcement of the draft law. Recently, authorities have recorded a notable decline in proactive police and IDF operations to arrest ultra-Orthodox deserters at their homes or in public streets. In practice, the majority of ultra-Orthodox youths currently arriving at military prisons are apprehended at border crossings while attempting to exit or enter the country rather than through targeted domestic enforcement sweeps.
