Thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem during a protest against a Supreme Court order for them to begin military service. The decision could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition as Israel grapples with conflict in Gaza.
The protesters, rallying against the draft order, turned violent in central Jerusalem as they threw rocks and attacked the car of an ultra-Orthodox Cabinet minister. Police used water cannons and horses to disperse the crowd, but the demonstration continued into the night.
The long-standing exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from military service has caused resentment among the public, particularly during the ongoing war in Gaza. The parties representing the ultra-Orthodox community are crucial to Netanyahu’s coalition and their departure could trigger new elections.
As tensions rise, the future of Israel’s government hangs in the balance. The clash between tradition and national duty underscores the challenges facing Israeli society in a time of crisis.