Thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem on Sunday during a protest against a Supreme Court order for them to begin enlisting for military service. This decision could potentially lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
The protesters threw rocks, attacked a Cabinet minister’s car, and refused to disperse, prompting police to use water cannons and mounted horses for control. The issue stems from exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men to skip military service and study in religious seminaries instead, causing resentment among the public, especially during the war against Hamas.
The ultra-Orthodox parties are vital to Netanyahu’s coalition, and their potential departure could trigger new elections. This dilemma comes at a time when the coalition’s popularity is waning due to the recent conflict. The future remains uncertain as the parties weigh their options.
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