Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against compulsory military service breached the Tel Hashomer army base near Tel Aviv.
According to a military statement on Tuesday, the demonstrators infiltrated the Adjutant Corps Monument adjacent to the base’s fence. Authorities swiftly responded and police cleared the area.
The Israeli military condemned the breach, emphasizing the necessity to bring the protesters to justice. “The enlistment of ultra-Orthodox citizens is an operational necessity and complies with the law,” the military stated, reaffirming its commitment to continue the conscription efforts.
Historically, ultra-Orthodox seminary students have been exempt from compulsory service. However, recent military demands due to ongoing conflicts and a Supreme Court ruling in June against such exemptions have led to their conscription.
The policy change has sparked significant unrest within the ultra-Orthodox community, which accounts for about 13 percent of Israel’s population. The community’s youth, traditionally engaged in religious studies, have increasingly participated in public demonstrations, leading to clashes with police, particularly in Jerusalem.
This escalation of tension was evident just the day before the break-in when ultra-Orthodox men clashed with police outside the same base. In response to these call-ups, a prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbi, Dov Lando, has publicly opposed the draft, declaring it a “war” against religious Jews in a recent article.
