The IDF Tel Hashomer induction center near Tel Aviv descended into chaos on Tuesday as ultra-Orthodox demonstrators who object to recent draft notices for Haredim faced off against women from the "Mothers on the Frontline" organization, which calls for the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men and equal sharing of military duties. According to footage from the scene, some of the protesters even entered the army base premises after breaching the fences.
Video: Haredim storm IDF induction center / Credit: X/@yehoyada_bz
Reports indicate that despite 500 ultra-Orthodox men receiving draft notices following a Supreme Court decision ending the decades-old blanket exemption, only 30 showed up the previous day. During the clashes, ultra-Orthodox protesters shouted slogans such as, "We'll die before we enlist," "You'll get prisoners, not soldiers," and "We won't join the army of destruction."
In response, Mothers on the Frontline countered with chants like, "Soldiers are dying every day so you can be here," "No rights without obligations," and "We'll put your rabbis in jail. Go to Hamas, go to Nasrallah."
A police spokesperson issued the following statement: "Israel Police officers are on site working to maintain public order. The Messubim Station commander declared the demonstration illegal before taking action. Despite this announcement, rioters began violent disturbances, shouting 'Nazis' at officers, attempting to breach barriers, throwing bottles and objects at officers and mounted police, and even sitting under trucks. Police began pushing back the rioters using mounted units and arrested 7 individuals."
The chaos of the previous day's demonstration saw protesters throwing a water bottle at Israel Hayom reporter Merav Sever. As the protest turned violent, police began making arrests and detentions, resulting in 10 arrests and injuries to three officers. Traffic arrangements: Police announced traffic adjustments for the Kiryat Ono area due to the expected demonstration.
