Ultra-Orthodox Israelis protest compulsory military service

Crowds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis protested to legally guarantee their right not to partake in Israel’s compulsory military service, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously promised the religious group, France 24 via AFP reported on October 30th.

The goal for the sought legal protection of ultra-Orthodox Jews is to “preserve a lifestyle lived according to the Torah”, in which it has been claimed that their goals were not selfish but rather a way to preserve themselves, honour God and commit to the Jewish holy text.

The protests are in response to recent call-ups and arrests of ultra-Orthodox military service dodgers. The protesters climbed onto balconies, buildings, bridges, and petrol stations, with one man pronounced dead after falling from a height.

France 24 via AFP