05
Jan 2026
10:15 UTC
Israel Tactical: Ultra-Orthodox protest slated in Jerusalem at unspecified time on January 6; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation:
- According to reports, ultra-Orthodox community members have called for a mass rally at an unspecified time on Jerusalem’s Yirmiyahu Street, Luis Brandeis Street, and Sarei Israel Boulevard on January 6.
- The protest is being called to denounce the draft bill regulating Haredi conscription.
Source: Bhol
Assessments & Forecast:
- This comes amid heightened tensions surrounding mandatory conscription and the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox community into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent months. These calls follow similar protests on January 4 in Kiryat Ono and Jerusalem, which coincided with a scheduled draft day for the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox units. The Jerusalem protest turned violent, prompting authorities to employ riot-dispersal measures, underscoring the elevated tensions. Additionally, recent developments, including the High Court’s temporary order to halt funding to ultra-Orthodox schools and the Shas Party’s warning to oppose the 2026 budget vote over conscription laws, are further likely to exacerbate sensitivities.
- FORECAST: In this context, and based on the calls for mass mobilization, the protest is likely to be well attended, with participation in the hundreds at least. Scuffles and clashes between protesters and security forces are likely. The gathering is likely to result in significant travel disruptions to the area, with authorities liable to announce road closures or traffic diversions in advance as part of crowd-control measures. Traffic disruptions may be recorded more broadly across Jerusalem due to the planned protest and the anticipated influx of participants.
- FORECAST: Similar protests could also take place in other parts of Israel, particularly around IDF recruitment centers, including in Kiryat Ono, and in regions with large ultra-Orthodox populations, including Bnei Brak and Jerusalem’s Geula and Mea Shearim neighborhoods.
Recommendations:
- Those operating or residing in Jerusalem on January 6 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and allot for disruptions near the aforementioned locations given the slated rally. Seek alternative routes.
- Avoid the vicinity of the gathering due to the likelihood of unrest.
- Remain cognizant of the potential for additional protests to materialize in other areas of Israel on January 6 and over the coming days.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Medium
AFFECTED AREA
Jerusalem; Israel
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation:
- According to reports, ultra-Orthodox community members have called for a mass rally at an unspecified time on Jerusalem’s Yirmiyahu Street, Luis Brandeis Street, and Sarei Israel Boulevard on January 6.
- The protest is being called to denounce the draft bill regulating Haredi conscription.
Source: Bhol
Assessments & Forecast:
- This comes amid heightened tensions surrounding mandatory conscription and the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox community into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent months. These calls follow similar protests on January 4 in Kiryat Ono and Jerusalem, which coincided with a scheduled draft day for the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox units. The Jerusalem protest turned violent, prompting authorities to employ riot-dispersal measures, underscoring the elevated tensions. Additionally, recent developments, including the High Court’s temporary order to halt funding to ultra-Orthodox schools and the Shas Party’s warning to oppose the 2026 budget vote over conscription laws, are further likely to exacerbate sensitivities.
- FORECAST: In this context, and based on the calls for mass mobilization, the protest is likely to be well attended, with participation in the hundreds at least. Scuffles and clashes between protesters and security forces are likely. The gathering is likely to result in significant travel disruptions to the area, with authorities liable to announce road closures or traffic diversions in advance as part of crowd-control measures. Traffic disruptions may be recorded more broadly across Jerusalem due to the planned protest and the anticipated influx of participants.
- FORECAST: Similar protests could also take place in other parts of Israel, particularly around IDF recruitment centers, including in Kiryat Ono, and in regions with large ultra-Orthodox populations, including Bnei Brak and Jerusalem’s Geula and Mea Shearim neighborhoods.
Recommendations:
- Those operating or residing in Jerusalem on January 6 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and allot for disruptions near the aforementioned locations given the slated rally. Seek alternative routes.
- Avoid the vicinity of the gathering due to the likelihood of unrest.
- Remain cognizant of the potential for additional protests to materialize in other areas of Israel on January 6 and over the coming days.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Medium
AFFECTED AREA
Jerusalem; Israel
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
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Related Reports
Israel
-
ProtestIsrael Tactical: Anti-government demonstrations slated on January 9-10 in Tel Aviv; maintain heightened vigilance
-
WeatherMENA Tactical: Inclement weather warnings issued in Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, for January 8-10; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates
-
Security OperationsIsrael Tactical: Authorities announce military exercises in Jerusalem area on January 8; remain cognizant, allot for disruptions
-
ProtestIsrael Tactical: Protestors block road near Supreme Court in Jerusalem during morning hours on January 7; maintain heightened vigilance