Mass Protests Erupt in Jerusalem as Ultra-Orthodox Jews Resist Military Conscription Law

On Thursday, a massive protest erupted in Jerusalem, with hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews voicing their opposition to a proposed law aimed at imposing military conscription on their community. This protest stands as one of the largest demonstrations in recent years, highlighting the deep-seated tensions surrounding military service exemptions that have existed since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The controversial proposal, spearheaded by Boaz Bismuth, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing party, seeks to establish quotas for enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox population. This effort is set to embark on its parliamentary journey next week, as reported by Channel 12. Compared to previous reforms, this proposal is viewed as relatively mild, aiming not for sweeping changes but for gradual adjustments in military service obligations. Throughout history, the ultra-Orthodox community has steadfastly resisted attempts to modify the current exemption status for military service, which they believe allows them to dedicate their lives to religious studies uninterrupted by military obligations. Each time the issue resurfaces, large protests are organized, and Thursday’s demonstration underscores their commitment to preserving this status. During the protests, demonstrators took to the streets, blocking major thoroughfares, including a section of Highway 1, Israel's main highway, and the Jerusalem train station. The scale of the protest forced police to take action to control the situation. Tragically, a 15-year-old boy lost his life after falling from a construction site where he had climbed to get a better view of the unfolding events. In Israel, military service is mandatory for all citizens, with the exception of ultra-Orthodox Jews. However, this exemption has come under increased scrutiny, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks, which mobilized tens of thousands of civilians for military service. The exemption has been portrayed by many Israelis as an unjust privilege, fueling ongoing debates about the fairness of the current military service structure. Compounding the situation, the Israeli Supreme Court issued an order last year demanding the parliament abolish the exemption. Nevertheless, political dynamics have stalled this progression, largely due to the opposition from political parties representing the Orthodox community, which hold significant sway within the current Netanyahu government. As the parliamentary discussions on the proposal begin, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate the complexities of this issue amidst overflowing public sentiment and dissent. The ongoing resistance from the ultra-Orthodox community and the commitments by certain political factions to maintain the current exemption suggest that the debate will continue to be a pivotal point in Israel’s socio-political landscape. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2