Tens of Thousands Protest Against Conscription in Jerusalem
On Thursday, a massive protest took place in downtown Jerusalem, where it’s estimated that around 200,000 ultra-Orthodox men gathered to express their opposition to Israel’s military draft. This conscription plan seems to have heightened existing social tensions, and notably, it’s put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government under pressure. Reports suggest that dozens were injured during the protests, which at times escalated into clashes with police.
The Israeli emergency service, Magen David Adom, indicated that 56 individuals sustained injuries, one of which was a police officer struck by a rock thrown from the crowd. Protesters blocked major routes leading to the capital as they assembled from various parts of the country, opposing the draft efforts. The situation intensified as police were deployed to clear the highways and restore order.
At the core of this turmoil is a long-standing exemption for ultra-Orthodox men who engage in full-time religious studies, allowing them to avoid military service. Many in Israel view this exemption as unfair, especially considering that military service is mandatory for most Jewish citizens. The Haredi community argues that their lifestyle, which emphasizes religious study and community, clashes with military life. They harbor fears that conscription might dilute their religious identity and subject them to secular influences that could disrupt their close-knit community structures.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has amplified the need for military personnel, prompting renewed discussions about ending the exemption. A ruling from last year by the Supreme Court deemed this arrangement unconstitutional, leading to a judicial directive for the government to create a new conscription law.
This ruling has caused significant unrest within Netanyahu’s coalition. His ultra-Orthodox allies, namely the Shas Party and the United Torah Party of Judaism, exited the coalition, accusing him of failing his religious constituency. To date, Parliament has struggled to reach a consensus that satisfies both Haredi leaders and military officials.
Opposition figures criticized the violent scenes witnessed during the protests. Yair Lapid commented on social media, suggesting that if the protesters can take to the streets, they should similarly fulfill their military obligations to defend Israel. Benny Gantz also chimed in, condemning the attacks against journalists, noting there’s nothing “Jewish” about such actions.
