Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jews Clash with Police Over Forced Conscription

Several Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem in protest against a supreme court ordering their enlistment for military service.

This followed a rally on Sunday night in an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood against the landmark decision last week. After nightfall, the crowd moved to central Jerusalem where the protests turned violent.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews Protest (News Central TV)

Protesters threw rocks and attacked the car of an ultra-Orthodox cabinet minister, pelting it with stones. Police used skunk-scented water cannon to disperse the angry protesters.

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In Israel, military service is mandatory for most Jewish men and women. However, the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have won exemptions for their followers to opt out for military service and instead study in religious seminaries.

The longstanding arrangement has bred resentment among the broader public, a sentiment that has grown stronger during the eight-month war against Palestinian Resistance group, Hamas.

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