Name: Bill over ultra-Orthodox military conscription sparks protests in Israel
Uploaded: 2025-12-10T00:58:24.702Z
Duration: 2 min 4 s
Description: Dozens of protesters blocked a highway near Tel Aviv to demonstrate against moves by the Israeli government to force some ultra-Orthodox Jews into mandatory military service, something they are currently exempt from so they can study the Torah full time.

Dozens of protesters blocked a highway near Tel Aviv to demonstrate against moves by the Israeli government to force some ultra-Orthodox Jews into mandatory military service, something they are currently exempt from so they can study the Torah full time.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis blocked a highway near Tel Aviv in protest against government plans to require their participation in mandatory military service. The demonstrations reflect longstanding tensions, as some Israelis question the fairness of exemptions granted to the ultra-Orthodox community since Israel's founding.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed new legislation following a high court ruling that ended these exemptions, but critics argue the bill has been weakened to maintain political support. Religious leaders warn that the dispute could deepen divisions within Israeli society, as the debate over military service, tradition, and politics continues.

Bill over ultra-Orthodox military conscription sparks protests in Israel

The latest clash between Israeli police and ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews. This time blocking a highway and busy intersection near Tel Aviv. A protest against the Israeli government forcing them into mandatory military service. None of us are going to go to the army. We're hell-bent. There's no way in the world we're going to go to the army. Some other Israelis though, an angry response. Some like Matan Lavi, who has served in the military as required by law, question why the ultra-Orthodox should get a pass. I mean it's unfair, but I can't do anything about it. It's been like that since the country was founded back in 1948. Demonstrations like this are not uncommon. They've been happening ever since the government started talking about drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis into the army. It's a sign of just how divisive this issue has become. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says proposed new legislation, drafted after a high court ruling last year ended the military exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews, will bring a wave of new recruits. The opposition says Netanyahu has watered down his bill to hold on to support from ultra-Orthodox political parties and stay in power. The legislation is promoted in order to allow them not to join the army. Ultra-Orthodox Jews have been exempted from military service so they can study the Torah full-time at yeshiva, Jewish religious school. At this yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rabbi Yitzhak Goldstein worries about this dispute driving Israelis apart. This can kill the country, can kill the nation. The second temple destroyed and the Jewish nation fought between each other. This fight far from over, a smoldering debate over politics, tradition and religion. Tom Perry, CBC News, Jerusalem.

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