Ultra-Orthodox Riot Shocks Israelis In Latest Protest At Military Draft
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Dozens of ultra-Orthodox extremists in Israel violently rioted outside the home of Supreme Court justice Noam Sohlberg, protesting the military draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men.
- Police detained 65 protesters and reported property damage at Sohlberg’s residence in the West Bank settlement of Alon Shvut, with no injuries reported.
- The Supreme Court had ruled two years ago to end the long-standing military draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, though most still avoid service.
- The exemption remains a deeply divisive issue in Israel, especially following increased military demands due to ongoing conflicts, and is expected to be a major topic in upcoming national elections.
- Military service is compulsory for most Israelis at age 18, but ultra-Orthodox men have historically been exempted due to their full-time Torah studies.