Conscription plans cause riots in the streets of major city with soldiers attacked | World | News
Violent clashes broke out in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, as thousands of protesters took to the streets to oppose proposed conscription laws. Video footage from the scene shows two female IDF soldiers being rushed away by police as crowds of men chased them through the city.
Authorities reported that 26 people, including soldiers and responding officers, were caught directly in the first wave of the crowd. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks, describing the rebels as an “extreme minority.” In his post on site X, Netanyahu said: “I strongly condemn the violent riots against female IDF soldiers and Israeli police officers in Bnei Brak. This is an extreme minority that does not represent the entire Haredi community. This is a serious and unacceptable issue.”
The protests come amid ongoing tensions over legislation that could force members of the ultra-Orthodox community to serve in the Israeli army.
Many in Bnei Brak have held repeated demonstrations, insisting that full-time religious education is their greatest duty and opposing conscription.
Violence escalated Sunday, and authorities reported at least 23 arrests. Protesters destroyed a bus, set fire to police motorcycles and overturned a patrol car.
Ziratnews’ reports confirmed that three police officers were injured, while broadcaster Roi Yanovsky and a second journalist were attacked while reporting.
Netanyahu added in his post: “We will not allow anarchy, nor will we tolerate harm to Israeli soldiers and security forces who perform their duties with devotion and determination.”
His remarks underlined the government’s resolve to maintain law and order amid the unrest.
Approximately 1.3 million ultra-Orthodox Jews make up about 13% of Israel’s population. Broad exemptions from military service for this community have long been a source of controversy, and the proposed changes have re-exposed deep social divisions.
The issue has become even more sensitive during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza.
The unrest in Bnei Brak coincided with reports of continued violence in Gaza, where hospitals said at least 11 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours. Among the dead were five men in their 20s killed in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had carried out multiple attacks in response to multiple ceasefire violations near the Yellow Line.
While Tel Aviv Regional Commander Sargaroff stated that they did not coordinate the soldiers’ visits in advance, IDF Chief of General Staff Zamir also reached the targeted commanders. Police later stated that they could not easily manage IDF entry into these neighborhoods after such intense infighting.
Police and security forces maintain a heavy presence near Jabotinsky Street to prevent further violence as protesters continue to block transport routes. Observers warn that future protests could become even more violent if a solution is not reached.
