Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis participated in nationwide demonstrations on Monday, protesting against mandatory military enlistment requirements that would affect their community.

The protests disrupted transportation infrastructure across Israel, with demonstrators blocking roads and trains in multiple locations. According to reports, some protesters also set vehicles on fire during the demonstrations.

The ultra-Orthodox community, known as Haredi Jews, has historically been exempt from mandatory military service that applies to most Israeli citizens. The protests appear to be in response to efforts to expand draft requirements to include members of their community.

The demonstrations represent a significant mobilization by the ultra-Orthodox population, highlighting ongoing tensions over military service obligations in Israeli society. The scale of the protests and their impact on transportation networks underscores the intensity of opposition within the community to potential changes in draft policies.

Israel has mandatory military service for most citizens, but various religious and other exemptions have created disparities in who serves. The issue of ultra-Orthodox military participation has been a recurring source of political and social debate in the country.