BNEI BRAK, Israel (VINnews) — Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef is expected to lead a large protest rally in Bnei Brak on Saturday night as tensions grow over Israel’s military draft policies affecting the haredi community.

The demonstration comes after the arrests of yeshiva students accused of evading military service and recent clashes linked to protests over the draft.

Rabbi Shabtai Levi, a senior rabbi in Bnei Brak, said the gathering is intended to protest what participants view as increasing pressure on Torah students. He said Rabbi Yosef considered the event significant enough to forgo his customary weekly Torah lesson in Jerusalem and instead attend the rally in person.

Organizers say the demonstration will be held near the Halichot Moshe institutions in Bnei Brak’s Ramat Aharon neighborhood. They described it as a peaceful event focused on prayer and public protest rather than road blockades or violence.

Speaking to Kol Barama Radio, Rabbi Levi said many in the haredi community believe recent enforcement actions against yeshiva students have crossed a line, arguing that Torah scholars should be protected from compulsory military service.

The protest follows a series of demonstrations by haredi groups as Israel’s government continues to face political pressure over legislation governing military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.