Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Storm Israeli Army Base Amid Conscription Dispute
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators broke into an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv, protesting recent conscription orders. The incident highlights growing tensions over mandatory service for religious Jews.
On August 6, 2024, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters breached an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv, escalating demonstrations against recent conscription orders for religious Jews. This incident, occurring at the Tel Hashomer base, underscores the deepening societal divisions in Israel, particularly as the nation faces potential security threats.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strongly condemned the intrusion, stating, "Breaking into a military base is a serious offence and is against the law. The IDF condemns this violent behavior and insists that the protesters be brought to justice." Video footage released by Israeli police showed numerous men in traditional Haredi attire confronting police lines outside the base.
This unrest comes in the wake of a June 2024 Supreme Court of Israel ruling that mandated the government to end longstanding exemptions and draft ultra-Orthodox seminary students into the military. The decision faced strong opposition from the Haredi community and religious parties within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition.
"The enlistment of ultra-Orthodox citizens is an operational necessity and is being conducted in accordance with the law. The IDF is determined to continue advancing it."
The roots of this controversy trace back to the early days of Israel's statehood. In 1948, the country's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, exempted about 400 students from military service to preserve religious traditions nearly eradicated during the Nazi Holocaust. However, demographic shifts have transformed this once-small minority into a significant portion of Israel's population.
As of 2024, the Haredi community comprises over 13% of Israel's population, with projections suggesting this could rise to around one-third within four decades due to high birth rates. This demographic trend has intensified the debate over military service exemptions.
The conscription issue has remained unresolved for decades, but the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential wider conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah have brought it into sharp focus. The first call-up papers for Haredi draftees were distributed in late July 2024, with recruits expected to report to recruitment centers soon.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics. Israel has been engaged in a war in Gaza since October 2023, and tensions with Iran continue to simmer. The IDF, known for its technological advancements, faces the challenge of integrating a community traditionally separate from mainstream Israeli society.
As Israel navigates these internal divisions and external threats, the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into national service remains a contentious and crucial issue for the country's future.
