Israeli police detain 15 ultra-Orthodox Jews amid anti-draft protests

Protests against military conscription by Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews have intensified, leading to scuffles with police and the detention of 15 demonstrators nationwide.

The protests occurred near recruitment centers in various cities, with seven individuals arrested in Kiryat Ono, a Tel Aviv suburb, for disturbing public order. Six were detained in Jerusalem and two in Haifa. The police stated that none of the gatherings had been authorized, designating them as illegal, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

In late June, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews must be drafted into the military like all other citizens. The justices noted that there is currently no legislation allowing yeshiva students to defer military service. Furthermore, the court prohibited funding for yeshivas whose students refuse to enlist.

Historically, ultra-Orthodox Jews were largely exempt from the draft, a situation that sparked significant public debate, especially during wartime. This debate gained traction in February when Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed support for conscripting ultra-Orthodox individuals.

Currently, approximately 67,000 Orthodox men are eligible for military service. Following the onset of military operations in Gaza, a small number of religious Jews have voluntarily joined the Israel Defence Forces.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews constitute about 13.5 per cent of Israel's population, totaling approximately 1.28 million in a country of 9.45 million. The IDF announced plans to begin enlisting them on a voluntary basis following the escalation of hostilities in Gaza.

By Vafa Guliyeva