Dispute Over Military Conscription for Ultra-Orthodox Jews Escalates in Jerusalem
The dispute over the introduction of conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel has reached a boiling point, as thousands of strictly religious men protested fiercely in Jerusalem against the court-ordered obligation to military service in the Israeli army. Reports from local media indicate that violent clashes erupted between the protestors and the police in the city, with mounted officers and a water cannon being deployed to confront the enraged demonstrators. The police reported that stones and objects were hurled at the officers by the black-clad ultra-Orthodox men, while trash bins were set ablaze during the turmoil. A number of police officers were injured in the clashes, and five rioters were arrested by authorities. The protests were triggered by a recent ruling from the highest court of the Jewish state, which now mandates that ultra-Orthodox men must serve in the military. This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict with Gaza and Hezbollah, further fueling tensions in the region. The protestors expressed their resistance to military service through signs proclaiming 'We will not enter the hostile army' and 'We will die instead of serving in the army'. The ultra-Orthodox community views military conscription as a threat to their devout way of life, particularly due to the inclusion of both men and women in the military service. In Israel, men are required to serve for three years and women for two years in the army. Exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men had been in place for decades but expired three months ago, leading to the current escalation in the conflict over military conscription in Jerusalem.
Related Sources: