Abdelraouf Arnaout and Rania Abu Shamala
25 February 2025•Update: 25 February 2025
JERUSALEM
Ultra-Orthodox Jews renewed their demonstrations Tuesday against mandatory military service in the Israeli army, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
Dozens gathered near a recruitment office on Jaffa Street in West Jerusalem, chanting against compulsory military service.
Some demonstrators sat on the ground to obstruct traffic, prompting police to intervene and remove them.
Police said that “since the early morning hours, police forces have been stationed near the recruitment office in Jerusalem to maintain order and ensure the office’s operations continue."
The area witnessed protests at three locations near the recruitment office, said police.
“A group of rioters gathered at a street intersection, attempting to block the light rail and vehicular traffic. They also clashed with security forces and chanted insults, including referring to the police as 'Nazis,'” it added.
In June, the Israeli Supreme Court mandated the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredi, into the army and banned financial aid to religious institutions whose students refused military service.
Haredi Jews make up about 13% of Israel's population of approximately 9.9 million and do not serve in the military, instead dedicating their lives to studying the Torah.
Israeli law requires all Israelis older than 18 to serve in the military, and the exemption of Haredi has been a contentious issue for decades.
