Israeli police arrest 13 ultra-Orthodox Jews

By Mustafa Deveci

JERUSALEM

Israeli police arrested 13 ultra-Orthodox Jews in Bnei Brak city Thursday who were protesting the arrest of a youth who refused to enlist in the army.

Mounted police were also deployed, and some protesters narrowly missed being trampled, with some sustaining injuries.

The police said in a statement that the protesters were arrested for disturbing public order and blocking roads.

Military service is mandatory for most Israelis, although the ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed exemptions in the past in favor of religious seminary studies.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up approximately 10 percent of Israel's population and generally reject joining the army.