BREAKING NEWS

50 haredi demonstrators arrested in Jerusalem rally on IDF draft

FEBRUARY 8, 2017 11:21

Around 50 ultra-Orthodox demonstrates were arrested Tuesday evening during protests over the arrest and detention of a yeshiva student charged with IDF draft-dodging.

The demonstrations, which were held in several places in Israel, saw hundreds of protesters attempt to block central traffic routes and clash with police in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Modi'in and Bnei Brak.

The ultra-Orthodox community, which has historically been exempt from military service, has held regular demonstrations against the draft. The Yeshiva student who spurred the protests on Tuesday was discovered to be a draft-dodger after he was arrested during an earlier demonstration.

The protest was organized by supporters of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, the leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox in Jerusalem who has called on his supporters to protest against the drafting of yeshiva students into the IDF.

The Israel Police released a statement saying protesting “is a democratic right and the Israel Police will permit it, but disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace is a criminal offense” and that they “would act with determination against any incident that disturbs the peace and causes danger to individuals who use the roads.”

Three police officers were lightly injured during the protests.

UK police charge 5 men with national security offences linked to Russia

By REUTERS

04/26/2024 02:13 PM

Biden won't set sanctions on Netzah Yehuda Battalion - report

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/26/2024 01:50 PM

Force map out West Bank home of terrorist who killed Binyamin Achimair

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/26/2024 01:40 PM

Turkish court convicts Syrian woman over Istanbul bombing

By REUTERS