Haredi Jews clash with Israeli Police against mandatory conscription

By Al Mayadeen English
3 Mar 2024 19:29
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Confrontations between the Haredim and Israeli police have been renewed as the former protest against 'Israel's' mandatory recruitment for military service.

Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews block a road during a protest outside the settlement of "Bnei Brak", March 3, 2024 (Israeli media)

Confrontations between the Israeli occupation police force and Haredi Jews have been renewed in light of the latter's protests on Sunday in refusal of the Israeli occupation's law of mandatory conscription with the IOF.

Reporting on the matter, Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said hundreds of Haredis have been protesting and blocking the roads in occupied al-Quds. Chants such as "We'd rather die than serve" were repeated, while Israeli media reported intense clashes between protestors and Israeli police.

As a result, Israeli police attempted to forcefully disperse protests.

"الحريديم" يغلقون الطريق في منطقة "بار إيلان" رفضاً لقانون التجنيد في جيش الاحتلال.. ومواجهات مع الشرطة👇#الميادين #فلسطين_المحتلة pic.twitter.com/STVlR8iYJ5
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) March 3, 2024

The Ultra-Orthodox slice of Israeli society rejects recruitment into the Israeli occupation's military, which may opt for a chaotic recruitment-by-force situation from the regime's authorities. As this issue reflects a grueling domestic conflict from within, the Knesset looks to attract Haredi Jews through services and material means.

It is estimated that there are about 50,000 Haredi orthodox young adults in occupied Palestine who are eligible for military recruitment in the Israeli Occupation forces (IOF). However, only 1,200 are signed up, as of 2019 statistics.

Three weeks ago, the Knesset passed a bill -- needing two more readings -- that would integrate more Ultra-Orthodox men into the military.

A Haredi journalist, Yanki Farber, suggests that if the bill comes into effect, it will be met with anger and opposition.

Gallant urges passage of law to draft ultra-Orthodox into military

As the occupation government devises ways to incorporate religious communities into the military, Israeli Minister of Security Yoav Gallant called on the regime on Wednesday to pass a law that would draft all segments of society, including ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are normally exempt from serving in the IOF.

"Today, there is a real national need for the extension of the service time of the standing army soldiers, and in extending the service period of the reservists," Gallant said at a press conference, adding that "The war has proved that everyone must go 'under the stretcher.'"

Referring to a resolution on Ultra-orthodox (Haredis) conscription, he said: "We are required to make agreements and decisions, which we haven’t made in 75 years."

As he called on members of the Knesset and the coalition to expedite a law on conscription, he said, "Our security challenges demonstrate that everyone must bear the burden of service. All parts of society," Gallant remarked, referring to the ultra-Orthodox community.

Gantz promises to respond to Gallant's request to draft Haredim

Israeli security Minister Yoav Gallant's proposal to draft ultra-Orthodox Israelis was welcomed by War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, who also said that his National Unity party will collaborate with Gallant to advance legislation that would eliminate the general conscription exemptions that are currently granted to the Haredim.

“All parts of Israeli society should take part in the right to serve. This is a security, national, and social need,” Gantz says after Gallant’s press conference.

In response to Gallant, opposition leader Yair Lapid states that his Yesh Atid party will present legislation for Haredi conscription the following week.