Dozens of Ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed with Israel Police yesterday during a protest against plans to force them to enlist in the Israeli occupation army.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredi Jews, gathered in front of the Israeli army’s largest recruitment centre in the Tel Hashomer area, near Tel Aviv, to protest recruitment plans.
They closed a road and scuffled with police who declared the demonstration illegal and attempted to disperse them.
“Death is better than recruitment,” some shouted.
In June, Israel’s Supreme Court mandated the drafting of Ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army and banned financial aid to religious institutions whose students refused military service.
Haredi Jews make up about 13 per cent of Israel’s population of approximately 9.9 million and do not serve in the military, instead dedicating their lives to studying the Torah.
Israeli law requires all Israelis over 18 to serve in the military, and the exemption of Haredi has been a contentious issue for decades.
READ: Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest mandatory military service in central Israel