What's happened
Two female IDF squad commanders were assaulted by a Haredi mob in Bnei Brak during a visit related to military enlistment enforcement. The incident sparked widespread protests, arrests, and condemnations from community leaders and officials amid ongoing tensions over ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions and community resistance.
What's behind the headline?
The violence in Bnei Brak exposes a deepening divide between the ultra-Orthodox community and the Israeli state. The community's resistance to conscription is rooted in religious and cultural beliefs, but recent protests have escalated into violent clashes, undermining efforts for social cohesion. The community leadership's condemnations contrast with the participation of at-risk youth and fringe elements, indicating a broader societal fracture. The government’s reliance on community support for coalition stability complicates enforcement, risking further escalation. The incident will likely intensify political debates over draft exemptions, with potential for increased security measures and community negotiations. The violence also signals a challenge to the state's authority and the need for a nuanced approach to religious and civil rights, which will shape Israel’s social fabric in the coming months.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the riots involved overturning police vehicles and setting fires, with police arresting 23 individuals. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the violence, emphasizing it does not represent the entire community. The article highlights the community's opposition to military service and the political pressure from ultra-Orthodox leaders. Sky News emphasizes the violent nature of the riots and Netanyahu’s condemnation, framing it as a minority action against the state’s authority. Both sources agree on the severity of the violence and the community's opposition, but Sky News underscores the broader political implications and Netanyahu’s stance, while The Times of Israel provides detailed context on the community's resistance and internal divisions.
How we got here
The incident follows ongoing protests and violence related to the ultra-Orthodox community's opposition to military conscription. Exemptions for yeshiva students have been challenged by courts, leading to mass demonstrations and clashes. Community leaders have condemned violence but tensions persist amid political negotiations over draft laws and community autonomy.
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Bnei Brak or Bene Beraq is a city located on the central Mediterranean coastal plain in Israel, just east of Tel Aviv. A center of Haredi Judaism, Bnei Brak covers an area of 709 hectares, and had a population of 198,863 in 2018.