Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel’s Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription

In Israel, dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against the nation’s compulsory military service broke into a military base near Tel Aviv on Tuesday (August 6).

The military, in a statement, said that over the past few hours, “dozens of protesters attempted to break into the Tel Hashomer base during protests that took place outside of the base.”

Israel’s Tel Hashomer army base happens to be the largest base for newly enlisted army recruits in Israel and is located east of Tel Aviv.

It said that the demonstrators “managed to infiltrate the Adjutant Corps Monument adjacent to the base fence.” They were later cleared out by police.

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Military condemns violent behaviour

The Israeli military, in its statement, said that it “condemns this violent behaviour and insists that the protesters be brought to justice”.

It further said that the enlistment of the ultra orthodox Jews was an “operational necessity” and was “being conducted in accordance with the law”.

The military also stressed that it was “determined” to push ahead with the enlistment that was only recently put into place.

Military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a divisive issue in Israel, where mandatory military service is seen as a cornerstone of national security. Historically, this group has resisted and has been exempt from military service.

The debate has become particularly sensitive since the start of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 600 Israeli soldiers losing their lives.

In June of this year, Israel’s top court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory in nature and that the state must draft them.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel’s population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

(With inputs from agencies)