Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Storm Israeli Army Base Amid Conscription Dispute
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators broke into an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv, protesting recent conscription orders. The incident highlights growing tensions over mandatory military service for religious Jews.
On August 6, 2024, a group of ultra-Orthodox protesters breached an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base near Tel Aviv, escalating demonstrations against recent conscription orders for religious Jews. This incident occurred amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran, underscoring the deepening societal divisions within the country.
The IDF condemned the intrusion at the Tel Hashomer base, 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 facility.
This unrest follows a June 2024 Supreme Court 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, David Ben-Gurion, the country's first Prime Minister, exempted about 400 students from military service to preserve religious traditions nearly eradicated during the Holocaust. However, demographic shifts have made these exemptions increasingly problematic.
Today, ultra-Orthodox Jews comprise over 13% of Israel's population, with projections suggesting this could reach around one-third within the next four decades. This growth, coupled with the community's high birth rate, has intensified the debate over military service obligations.
The conscription issue has remained unresolved for decades, but the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential wider confrontations with Iran and Hezbollah have brought it into sharp focus. The IDF emphasizes that enlisting ultra-Orthodox citizens is now an operational necessity, reflecting the changing security landscape of the region.
As Israel grapples with these internal divisions, the country also faces external threats. The protests coincided with preparations for a potential missile barrage from Iran, highlighting the complex challenges facing the nation. The situation underscores the delicate balance Israel must maintain between its security needs and the diverse beliefs of its citizens.
