In a prime demonstration of civil unrest, a multitude of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men incited a conflict with the Israeli law enforcement authorities in Jerusalem’s hub on a recent Sunday. This contention sprang from their strong opposition to a directive issued by the supreme court, requiring them to join the military. This watershed ruling demanding the induction of ultra-Orthodox men into the forces has stirred up a political maelstrom that may topple the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The court order ignited mass demonstrations in the ultra-Orthodox community, with a considerable crowd gathering to express their displeasure. As dusk fell, the situation escalated when this multitude moved towards central Jerusalem and the demonstration took a violent turn. The Israeli police reported acts of vandalism and reported an attack on an ultra-Orthodox cabinet minister’s vehicle.
The Israeli government also faces intensifying pressure to neutralise the Hizbullah threat from communities along the northern border. Despite police efforts to quell the protesters, including the use of horse-mounted police units and water cannons filled with skunk-smelling water, the situation remained unmanageable late into the evening.
In Israel, most Jewish men and women have no choice but to serve in the military. However, the influential ultra-Orthodox sections, thanks to their political leverage, have secured exemptions for their adherents, allowing them to pursue religious studies instead. This exclusive arrangement brewed bitterness among the general populace, aggravated by the recent eight-month war with Hamas.
The war had claimed over 600 soldiers’ lives and imposed a significant burden on thousands of reservists, causing disruptions in their professional and personal lives. The ultra-Orthodox factions argue that drafting their men into military service would be detrimental to their time-honoured lifestyle.
The previous Sunday saw a large gathering of men united in religious prayer and expressing their dissent towards the government, with one placard reading “not even one male” should be conscripted. The ultra-Orthodox parties, forming a pivotal part of Mr Netanyahu’s coalition government, might trigger new elections if they chose to withdraw in response to this development. Party heads have remained silent on this matter so far, while the popularity of Mr Netanyahu’s coalition saw a downturn since the October 7th attack by Hamas.
Simultaneously, Israeli authorities released 55 Palestinian detainees from Gaza on the subsequent Monday, notably including the director of the main hospital in the territory, according to a Palestinian health official.
Mohammed Abu Selmia was taken into custody during an incursion by Israeli forces at Shifa Hospital in November. Following his release, video footage broadcast by Palestinian media depicted Mr Abu Selmia decrying the alleged “everyday physical and psychological torment” inflicted on Palestinian detainee by the Israeli authorities. Such claims have been refuted by Israel.
Israeli officials blame Hamas and similar militant groups for taking refuge in hospitals and exploiting them for military, a move that has been strongly criticised. According to Palestinian health representatives, the recurring Israeli intrusions have compelled several hospitals to either shut down completely or significantly downscale their services, thereby putting civilians at a serious risk.
There is a principle under international law that hospitals can be stripped of their protection if found to be used for militaristic objectives. Early on Monday, the Israeli military stated that approximately 20 missiles were launched from Gaza towards nearby border towns. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage. – AP