ASHKELON — State prosecutors filed an indictment against 17 ultra-Orthodox men, including four minors, in connection with a protest against military service requirements. The indictment was submitted to the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court.

The defendants face charges of rioting, trespassing to commit an offense, and malicious damage. The incident occurred on the evening of April 28, with protesters gathering outside the home of Brigadier General Yuval Yamin to object to the enlistment of yeshiva students.

According to the indictment, the protesters displayed signs reading "War on the draft law, in actions and not words." and shouted slogans such as "We will die and not enlist." and "Yuval Yamin is a traitor." Protesters forced open a locked gate at approximately 8 p.m. and entered the residence's yard. Yamin was not present in the home during the incident.

Yamin's wife and two children, one of whom was a minor, were inside the home at the time. Protesters spread through the yard, porch, and entrance stairs, with some holding hands, singing, and displaying signs. The occupants closed shutters, secured the front door, and contacted police after they were unable to exit safely.

Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, dispersed the gathering, and detained the defendants. The incident resulted in thousands of shekels in damage to a locking mechanism, walls, tiles, and vegetation, prosecutors stated. The Ashkelon police station conducted the investigation.

Prosecutors notified the court that actual prison time may be requested upon conviction and requested release conditions to guarantee the defendants appear at future court dates. The High Court of Justice previously determined that the government lacks the legal authority to grant blanket draft exemptions to ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.