Haredi Protests in Israel Turn Violent Amid Draft Bill Controversy
WATCH: Haredi protesters shout 'kill all Jews,' throw stones at police attempting to regain order
Image: Jpost
Protests by ultra-Orthodox (haredi) groups in central Israel and Jerusalem escalated into violence as demonstrators opposed a draft bill and arrests of draft dodgers. Police declared the protests illegal, responding with force after protesters threw stones and shouted anti-Jewish slogans.
- 01The protests were sparked by a call from Rabbi Zvi Friedman against the arrests of draft dodgers.
- 02Protesters blocked major roads, including Route 4 at the Geha junction, chanting in solidarity with 'prisoners of the world of Torah.'
- 03Israel Police reported two individuals sustained light injuries due to stone-throwing by protesters.
- 04Footage showed protesters shouting 'Itbah al-Yahud,' which translates to 'kill the Jews,' raising concerns over hate speech.
- 05Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public order while allowing lawful protests.
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On Thursday, ultra-Orthodox (haredi) protests erupted across central Israel and Jerusalem in response to a contentious draft bill and the arrests of draft dodgers. Following a call to action from Rabbi Zvi Friedman, demonstrators blocked traffic and disrupted public order. In Jerusalem, the protests escalated into a riot, prompting Israel Police and Border Police to intervene at the Bar Ilan intersection. Reports indicate that a police officer and a passerby were lightly injured as protesters threw stones. Social media footage captured a protester shouting 'Itbah al-Yahud,' an Arabic phrase meaning 'kill the Jews,' raising alarms about anti-Semitic rhetoric. Protests also occurred outside Bnei Brak, where demonstrators blocked Route 4, chanting in support of draft dodgers. Police declared the protests illegal and warned of dispersal measures if the roads were not cleared, highlighting the tensions surrounding the draft issue in Israeli society.
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The protests have disrupted public order and traffic in central Israel, highlighting ongoing tensions over military service in the ultra-Orthodox community.
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