Haredi protesters block roads, clash with police over army draft
Protests in Tel Aviv Over Haredi Army Enlistment Plans
In Tel Aviv, hundreds of Orthodox Jews protested against plans to enlist Haredim into the army, blocking a road leading to the Israel Defense Forces' largest recruitment center. The protests turned violent as demonstrators attacked Haredi soldiers, calling them "traitors," and clashed with police. A Haredi soldier, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that he was not surprised by the hostility, having grown up in a similar environment.
The protest was organized by the Jerusalem Faction, a political group opposing military service for Haredim. The term "Hardak," a derogatory combination of "Haredi" and "haidak" (meaning bug), was used against the soldiers. Defense Minister Israel Katz aims to gradually increase the number of Haredim serving in the military, targeting 50% by 2032.
The military's plan to draft yeshiva students follows a High Court ruling that exemptions for the Haredi community are illegal. This issue has led to a coalition crisis, affecting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's health. Military service is mandatory for Israeli citizens, but an agreement allowed Haredi men studying in religious institutions to defer service. The Orthodox community has grown significantly, with over 138,000 yeshiva students in 2021.
A survey by the Israel Democracy Institute shows a shift in public opinion, with only 9% supporting the current exemption for Haredim, down from 22% ten months earlier.
Doubts Revealed
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a big city in Israel, which is a country in the Middle East. It's known for its modern buildings and beaches.
Haredi
Haredi refers to a group of Orthodox Jews who follow very traditional religious practices. They often dress in black and white clothing and live in close-knit communities.
IDF
IDF stands for Israel Defense Forces, which is the military of Israel. They protect the country and its people.
Jerusalem Faction
The Jerusalem Faction is a group within the Haredi community that is very strict about religious practices. They often oppose changes that affect their way of life.
Defense Minister
The Defense Minister is a government official in charge of a country's military. In this case, Israel Katz is the Defense Minister of Israel.
High Court
The High Court is the highest court in a country, similar to the Supreme Court in India. It makes important legal decisions.
Coalition crisis
A coalition crisis happens when different political groups that work together in the government disagree on important issues. This can make it hard for the government to function properly.
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