Israel: Ultra-Orthodox Jews Attack Army Van Transporting Deserters

An Israeli army van transporting ultra-Orthodox Jewish deserters was attacked by protesters. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions regarding mandatory military service.

In recent months, thousands of conscription notices have been sent to ultra-Orthodox Jews, who were previously exempt. Pressure on the Israeli army has increased due to the war in the Gaza Strip, following the Hamas attack in October 2023.

The Israeli army confirmed that many draft dodgers were arrested and detained. A journalist from the army radio station reported that dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked the road to the van, while some protesters threw stones and tear gas.

Discussions on changing the military service law have intensified, putting pressure on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. The ultra-Orthodox parties that participated in the governing coalition withdrew, expecting the passage of a law that would make the exemption of ultra-Orthodox from military service permanent.

The law is not expected to be considered before mid-October. Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up 14% of Israel's Jewish population, with approximately 66,000 men of conscription age having received an exemption.