Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest army draft in Tel Aviv, clash with police

By Khaled Yousef

JERUSALEM (AA) – Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, staged protests in Tel Aviv on Thursday against mandatory military service, according to Israeli media.

Protesters gathered outside a recruitment office in Kiryat Ono, a city in Tel Aviv district, to voice their opposition to Israel’s military draft law.

Angry protesters shouted “Nazis” at police and blocked a main road amid clashes during which one demonstrator was arrested, the Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported.

The protest came as Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi recently called for increased enlistment from both reservists and regular forces, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Haredim, who make up approximately 13% of Israel’s 10 million population, traditionally dedicate their lives to Torah study in religious institutions and avoid military service, which they see as a threat to their religious identity.

For decades, they were exempted from serving, but in July the military began issuing draft orders for Haredi men.

The Israeli army faces a manpower shortage amid simultaneous conflicts on multiple fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon.

The Israeli army has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 43,160 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 101,500 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of the Gaza war.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio