Ask Onix
Violent confrontation erupts in Bnei Brak
Two female Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were forced to flee through streets littered with debris after a mob of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men pursued them in the city of Bnei Brak on Monday. Police intervened, using stun grenades and making over 20 arrests.
Incident details
Footage circulating online showed the soldiers running past overturned trash bins and scattered refuse as officers formed a protective cordon. The women had been visiting another soldier's home on official duty when the confrontation began, according to Israeli broadcaster Kan.
Police reported that 23 individuals were detained following the unrest. Three officers sustained injuries, and several police vehicles were vandalized-including a patrol car that was overturned and a motorcycle set ablaze.
Conscription dispute at the heart of unrest
Sources indicate the crowd mistakenly believed the soldiers were delivering military draft notices. While most Jewish Israelis are required to serve in the IDF, ultra-Orthodox Jews-known as Haredim-have historically been exempt. Recent efforts to end this exemption have sparked widespread protests within the community.
Last year, hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis participated in one of the largest anti-conscription demonstrations in years. The issue has grown more contentious amid the ongoing war in Gaza, with the government now debating legislation that would require Haredi men not engaged in full-time religious study to enlist.
Political and religious leaders condemn violence
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the incident as "unacceptable" in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
"This is an extreme minority that does not represent the entire Haredi community. We will not allow anarchy, and we will not tolerate any harm to IDF servicemen and security forces who carry out their duties with dedication and determination."
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
Jewish religious leaders also condemned the violence, distancing the broader ultra-Orthodox community from the attackers' actions.
Legal and demographic context
The exemption for full-time yeshiva students dates back to Israel's founding in 1948. However, the High Court of Justice ruled the policy unconstitutional over a decade ago. Temporary extensions were formally terminated last year, compelling the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men.
The Haredi population has grown significantly, now accounting for 14% of Israel's total population-more than double its share seven decades ago.
