In Israel, dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against the nation's compulsory military service broke into a military base near Tel Aviv on Tuesday (August 6).

The military, in a statement, said that over the past few hours, "dozens of protesters attempted to break into the Tel Hashomer base during protests that took place outside of the base."

Israel's Tel Hashomer army base happens to be the largest base for newly enlisted army recruits in Israel and is located east of Tel Aviv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:164,&quot;w&quot;:687,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1850}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-moves-forward-with-controversial-ultra-orthodox-conscription-law-after-gantz-resignation-730638">Israel votes to revive controversial ultra-Orthodox conscription law following Gantz's resignation</a>

It said that the demonstrators "managed to infiltrate the Adjutant Corps Monument adjacent to the base fence." They were later cleared out by police.

Watch video here:

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Civil war. Civil war. Civil war. 
 
🚨 In protest of their forced conscription to the IOF, ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) stormed the IOF's "Tel Hashomer" base near "Tel Aviv," chanting "Conscription is worse than death!"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationBrimstone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationBrimstone</a> <a href="https://t.co/xqB08TBCvr">pic.twitter.com/xqB08TBCvr</a>
— Diamond Queen (@ItsMildredBitch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ItsMildredBitch/status/1820791923084276108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Military condemns violent behaviour</h2>

The Israeli military, in its statement, said that it "condemns this violent behaviour and insists that the protesters be brought to justice".

It further said that the enlistment of the ultra orthodox Jews was an "operational necessity" and was "being conducted in accordance with the law".

The military also stressed that it was "determined" to push ahead with the enlistment that was only recently put into place.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-proposes-gradually-increasing-ultra-orthodox-jew-drafting-in-army-722034">Netanyahu proposes gradually increasing ultra-Orthodox Jew drafting in army</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:464,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2150}">Israel's ultra-orthodox and military conscription</h2>

Military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a divisive issue in Israel, where mandatory military service is seen as a cornerstone of national security. Historically, this group has resisted and has been exempt from military service.

The debate has become particularly sensitive since the start of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 600 Israeli soldiers&nbsp;losing their lives.

In June of this year, Israel's top court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory in nature and that the state must draft them.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Israel, dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against the nation's compulsory military service broke into a military base near Tel Aviv on Tuesday (August 6).

In Israel, dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against the nation's compulsory military service broke into a military base near Tel Aviv on Tuesday (August 6). The military, in a statement, said that over the past few hours, "dozens of protesters attempted to break into the Tel Hashomer base during protests that took place outside of the base." Israel's Tel Hashomer army base happens to be the largest base for newly enlisted army recruits in Israel and is located east of Tel Aviv. Also read | Israel votes to revive controversial ultra-Orthodox conscription law following Gantz's resignation It said that the demonstrators "managed to infiltrate the Adjutant Corps Monument adjacent to the base fence." They were later cleared out by police. Watch video here: Civil war. Civil war. Civil war. 🚨 In protest of their forced conscription to the IOF, ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) stormed the IOF's "Tel Hashomer" base near "Tel Aviv," chanting "Conscription is worse than death!"#OperationBrimstone pic.twitter.com/xqB08TBCvr — Diamond Queen (@ItsMildredBitch) August 6, 2024 × Military condemns violent behaviour The Israeli military, in its statement, said that it "condemns this violent behaviour and insists that the protesters be brought to justice". It further said that the enlistment of the ultra orthodox Jews was an "operational necessity" and was "being conducted in accordance with the law". The military also stressed that it was "determined" to push ahead with the enlistment that was only recently put into place. Also read | Netanyahu proposes gradually increasing ultra-Orthodox Jew drafting in army Israel's ultra-orthodox and military conscription Military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a divisive issue in Israel, where mandatory military service is seen as a cornerstone of national security. Historically, this group has resisted and has been exempt from military service. The debate has become particularly sensitive since the start of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 600 Israeli soldiers losing their lives. In June of this year, Israel's top court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory in nature and that the state must draft them. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel's Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription

Israel's parliament on Monday (June 10) moved ahead with a contentious law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military.

This development comes a day after centrist former general Benny Gantz quit the government over strategic disagreements concerning the Gaza war.

<h2>Israel's conscription plan</h2>

The conscription bill, which still requires further readings and committee hearings, proposes a gradual introduction of ultra-Orthodox Jews into military service. Historically, this group has resisted military service.

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The bill aims to increase ultra-Orthodox participation in the military, although their numbers would be limited and alternatives to military service would be allowed.&nbsp;

Military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a divisive issue in Israel, where mandatory military service is seen as a cornerstone of national security. The debate has become particularly sensitive since the start of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 600 Israeli soldiers&nbsp;losing their lives.

<h2>Gantz and the conscription bill</h2>

Although initially proposed by Gantz in 2022 under the previous government, he now opposes the bill, arguing it does not meet the new personnel needs of the military.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the last remaining general after the departures of Gantz and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, voted against the bill.&nbsp;

In contrast, religious parties within the coalition, who have traditionally opposed broad conscription expansions, supported the bill with the expectation of amending it during the review stage.

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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of a pro-settler party, emphasised the importance of integrating the ultra-Orthodox community without pushing them into a corner.

"We have a great opportunity that should not be missed. The ultra-Orthodox public must not be pushed into a corner," he said.

Speaking to Reuters, Assaf Shapira, head of the political reform programme at the Israel Democracy Institute, commented, "There are those who supported it then and oppose it now because they see it as wrong for Israel now, and there are those who opposed it then and will support it now because they see an opportunity to change it."

<h2>Four Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza</h2>

The Israeli army, in an announcement, said that&nbsp;four Givati Brigade soldiers were killed in combat in Gaza's south. The soldiers have been identified as&nbsp;Tal Pshebilski Shaulov, 24-years-old from Gedera; Eitan Karlsbrun, 20-years-old from Modi'in; Almog Shalom, 19-years-old from Kibbutz Hamadia; and Yair Levin, 19-years old from Givat Harel.

The soldier's group, consisting of trainees, was struck by an explosion in a booby trapped building in Rafah's east Shabura neighbourhood.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's parliament on Monday (June 10) moved ahead with a contentious law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military. This development comes a day after centrist former general Benny Gantz quit the government over strategic disagreements concerning the Gaza war.

Israel's parliament on Monday (June 10) moved ahead with a contentious law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox religious students into the military. This development comes a day after centrist former general Benny Gantz quit the government over strategic disagreements concerning the Gaza war. Israel's conscription plan The conscription bill, which still requires further readings and committee hearings, proposes a gradual introduction of ultra-Orthodox Jews into military service. Historically, this group has resisted military service. Also read | UN Security Council votes 'for peace', overwhelmingly backs Biden's Gaza ceasefire plan The bill aims to increase ultra-Orthodox participation in the military, although their numbers would be limited and alternatives to military service would be allowed. Military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has been a divisive issue in Israel, where mandatory military service is seen as a cornerstone of national security. The debate has become particularly sensitive since the start of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 600 Israeli soldiers losing their lives. Gantz and the conscription bill Although initially proposed by Gantz in 2022 under the previous government, he now opposes the bill, arguing it does not meet the new personnel needs of the military. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the last remaining general after the departures of Gantz and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, voted against the bill. In contrast, religious parties within the coalition, who have traditionally opposed broad conscription expansions, supported the bill with the expectation of amending it during the review stage. Also read | US weighs unilateral deal with Hamas for release of American captives in Gaza Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of a pro-settler party, emphasised the importance of integrating the ultra-Orthodox community without pushing them into a corner. "We have a great opportunity that should not be missed. The ultra-Orthodox public must not be pushed into a corner," he said. Speaking to Reuters, Assaf Shapira, head of the political reform programme at the Israel Democracy Institute, commented, "There are those who supported it then and oppose it now because they see it as wrong for Israel now, and there are those who opposed it then and will support it now because they see an opportunity to change it." Four Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza The Israeli army, in an announcement, said that four Givati Brigade soldiers were killed in combat in Gaza's south. The soldiers have been identified as Tal Pshebilski Shaulov, 24-years-old from Gedera; Eitan Karlsbrun, 20-years-old from Modi'in; Almog Shalom, 19-years-old from Kibbutz Hamadia; and Yair Levin, 19-years old from Givat Harel. The soldier's group, consisting of trainees, was struck by an explosion in a booby trapped building in Rafah's east Shabura neighbourhood. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel votes to revive controversial ultra-Orthodox conscription law following Gantz's resignation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent.

<h2>Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions</h2>

The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed.&nbsp;

Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis.

<h2>Netanyahu's proposal</h2>

The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews.&nbsp;

It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises.

Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset."

"The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies,"&nbsp;Gantz added.

Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community. The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent. Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed. Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis. Netanyahu's proposal The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews. It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises. Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset." "The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies," Gantz added. Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu proposes gradually increasing ultra-Orthodox Jew drafting in army

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, announced on Sunday his intention to resign from the national emergency government if a proposed legislation, which continues to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service, is passed into law.

In a statement, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset."

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"The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies," said Gantz.

Gantz, a former military chief who holds significant support, joined the unity government to help oversee the conflict with Hamas following its October 7 attack. As per recent opinion polls, he has more support than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

While Gantz's party alone may not have the power to bring down Netanyahu's government, Israel's defence minister&nbsp;Yoav Gallant has also expressed opposition to the bill, indicating dissent within Netanyahu's own right-wing Likud party.

Gallant, who is currently on an official visit to the United States, stated that he would not support the bill which is scheduled to be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday.

<h2>What is the legislation about?</h2>

Although the proposed legislation has not been publicly disclosed, as per a Reuters report, leaks to Israeli media suggest it revises disputed military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews of the&nbsp;Haredi community and may even expand them.

Additionally, it downplays the economic consequences of the longstanding policy, which top Israeli economists have repeatedly warned carries a heavy price.

Once approved by the cabinet, the bill would proceed to parliament for further review, a process that is expected to take several weeks or even months, according to officials.

As per Israel Times citing the IDF's Personnel Directorate,&nbsp;a record 66,000 young men from the Haredi community received exemptions from military service over the past year. This figure is the highest ever recorded.

The law that previously authorised these exemptions expired in June 2023. A temporary regulation that extended the exemptions is set to expire next week. After this point, the military will no longer be legally permitted to exempt Haredi young men from the draft and will be required to start enlisting them.

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The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza.&nbsp;

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, announced on Sunday his intention to resign from the national emergency government if a proposed legislation, which continues to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service, is passed into law.

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, announced on Sunday his intention to resign from the national emergency government if a proposed legislation, which continues to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service, is passed into law. In a statement, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset." Also read | Moscow concert hall attack: Russia charges four suspects amid reports they did it 'for money' "The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies," said Gantz. Gantz, a former military chief who holds significant support, joined the unity government to help oversee the conflict with Hamas following its October 7 attack. As per recent opinion polls, he has more support than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Gantz's party alone may not have the power to bring down Netanyahu's government, Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant has also expressed opposition to the bill, indicating dissent within Netanyahu's own right-wing Likud party. Gallant, who is currently on an official visit to the United States, stated that he would not support the bill which is scheduled to be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday. What is the legislation about? Although the proposed legislation has not been publicly disclosed, as per a Reuters report, leaks to Israeli media suggest it revises disputed military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews of the Haredi community and may even expand them. Additionally, it downplays the economic consequences of the longstanding policy, which top Israeli economists have repeatedly warned carries a heavy price. Once approved by the cabinet, the bill would proceed to parliament for further review, a process that is expected to take several weeks or even months, according to officials. As per Israel Times citing the IDF's Personnel Directorate, a record 66,000 young men from the Haredi community received exemptions from military service over the past year. This figure is the highest ever recorded. The law that previously authorised these exemptions expired in June 2023. A temporary regulation that extended the exemptions is set to expire next week. After this point, the military will no longer be legally permitted to exempt Haredi young men from the draft and will be required to start enlisting them. Also read | Did Donald Trump call Barack Obama ‘founder of ISIS’ after Moscow terror attack? Here’s the truth The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel cabinet minister Gantz threatens to quit if bill exempts ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service