Israeli Police Clash With Ultra-Orthodox Over Military Draft

Israeli police clashed with hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters in Jerusalem on Wednesday. The demonstrators, known as Haredim, were protesting against mandatory military service. The confrontations occurred outside army draft offices. Protesters blocked roads and burned trash bins. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowds. For decades, most Haredi men have been exempt from Israel's compulsory military service. This exemption is based on their full-time religious studies. The policy has caused growing public tension. A recent Supreme Court order requires the government to begin drafting Haredi men. The ruling has ended state funding for many religious schools whose students avoid the draft. The issue is now a major crisis for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. His ruling partners include powerful ultra-Orthodox political parties. They strongly oppose any change to the draft exemptions. The protests highlight a deep division in Israeli society over the balance between religious study and national service.