Ultra-Orthodox Protests Highlight Military Draft Tensions in Israel

Protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel against military draft orders erupted at a Tel Aviv army base. Demonstrations, fueled by societal divides, have intensified following the Supreme Court's mandate to draft previously exempt religious students. The unrest underscores deepening splits in Israeli society amid ongoing security concerns.

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters broke into an Israeli army base near Tel Aviv on Tuesday, the military said. The protests, driven by opposition to conscription orders for religious Jews, continued to escalate as Israel prepared for possible missile strikes from Iran.

The military condemned the incident at the Tel Hashomer base, calling it a serious offence. Authorities emphasized that breaking into a military base is illegal, and the IDF insisted that the protesters face legal consequences.

Israeli police footage showed ultra-Orthodox men, in their traditional attire, clashing with police outside the base. The Supreme Court's June ruling to end the draft exemption for Haredi seminary students has faced strong opposition within the community and Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition.

The first call up papers were distributed two weeks ago, with the draftees expected to report to recruitment centers. Exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews date back to Israel's founding when PM David Ben-Gurion exempted 400 students to preserve religious study.

Initially affecting a minority, the growing ultra-Orthodox community now makes up over 13% of Israel's population, with projections to reach a third within 40 years. The long-simmering issue has been exacerbated by the conflict in Gaza and potential regional escalations.

"The enlistment of ultra-Orthodox citizens is an operational necessity and is being conducted in accordance with the law. The IDF is determined to continue advancing it," the military stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)