Israeli police have arrested 28 individuals following a violent incident in which a large mob of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men chased two female Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers through the streets of Bnei Brak, a city located east of Tel Aviv. The riots, which erupted due to anger over military conscription orders, led to significant unrest, including the overturning of a police patrol car, the setting alight of a police motorcycle, and injuries to five police officers.
Details of the Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Most of the 28 Haredi men and teenagers who were arrested have since been released, with a lawyer citing a lack of evidence as the reason for their freedom. However, two suspects have been ordered to five days of house arrest as the investigation continues. Police authorities are actively searching for the individuals responsible for damaging the police vehicles during the chaos.
Background and Political Reactions
This violent episode follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that ended a long-standing exemption for Haredi Jews from mandatory military conscription in Israel. The ruling has sparked ongoing tensions within the community. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has publicly condemned the government's response to such incidents, highlighting broader political divisions over the conscription issue.
The chase and subsequent riots underscore the deepening societal conflicts in Israel regarding military service and religious exemptions. As police efforts to identify and prosecute those involved persist, the incident raises concerns about public safety and the enforcement of conscription laws in the region.
