Violent clashes erupted in Jerusalem as ultra-Orthodox Jews protested against being drafted into the army, leading to tensions with Israeli authorities. The protest turned aggressive as demonstrators targeted Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf’s car, accusing him of supporting the conscription of Haredim.
Israel’s Supreme Court recently ruled that ultra-Orthodox men must be drafted into military service, overturning a long-standing exemption for Jewish seminary students. This decision has sparked controversy within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which relies on support from religiously conservative parties opposing the ruling.
Haredim, who make up 13% of Israel’s population, traditionally focus on studying the Torah and do not serve in the military to preserve their cultural and religious identity. The exemption of Haredim from military service has been a divisive issue in Israeli society for years.