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Jerusalem, Israel – Tensions flared in Jerusalem on Wednesday as hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters, predominantly from extreme factions, demonstrated near the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recruitment office in the city.
The protest, reported by Israeli media, escalated as participants blocked streets, clashed with police officers, and disrupted the city’s light rail system.
The protest occurred in response to ongoing tensions within the ultra-Orthodox community regarding mandatory military conscription in Israel.
Ultra-Orthodox factions, particularly from more extreme groups, have historically opposed military service, seeing it as contradictory to their religious lifestyle.
The demonstration on Wednesday marked yet another chapter in the ongoing standoff between these groups and the state over the issue.
Clashes with Police
According to a statement from the Israeli Police, dozens of protesters blocked nearby streets using fences and other obstacles.
As the situation escalated, demonstrators clashed with police officers and border police, hurling insults and attempting to break through the barricades erected around the IDF recruitment office.
The police emphasized that they were operating to clear the area and restore order, but the situation remained tense throughout the day.
Mounted police officers were deployed to the scene in an effort to disperse the crowd. However, after their departure, confrontations continued, with scuffles breaking out among the protesters and security personnel.
Light Rail Disrupted
Simultaneously, demonstrators took their protest to the light rail system, blocking tracks on Jaffa Street.
According to a witness from The Jerusalem Post, tensions flared at the Haturim light rail station when a bystander attempted to forcibly remove a protester from the tracks.
A nearby police officer intervened to help clear the blockage, allowing the light rail service to continue, albeit with significant delays.
Later, similar scenes unfolded as protesters returned to the light rail station, leading to additional confrontations.
Mounted officers were once again dispatched to disperse the crowd, but brief altercations ensued as soon as they left the area.
Ongoing Tensions Over Conscription
The issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a point of contention in Israel for decades.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, have traditionally been exempt from compulsory military service in favor of full-time Torah study.
However, as Israel faces growing security challenges, there has been increasing pressure to integrate the ultra-Orthodox community into the military and broader workforce.
The Israeli government has attempted to pass legislation aimed at drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the military, leading to widespread protests and political turmoil.
The Haredi community argues that military service would disrupt their religious studies and way of life, while proponents of the draft argue that it is a necessary step toward equality in Israeli society.
Wednesday’s demonstration is just the latest in a series of protests organized by ultra-Orthodox groups against the proposed changes to the draft law.
Despite police efforts to contain the situation, the protest underscored the deep divisions within Israeli society over the issue of military conscription.
As the Israeli government continues to grapple with this contentious issue, further protests and clashes are likely, with no clear resolution in sight.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members