Jerusalem witnessed a dramatic escalation as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men paralyzed the western entrance to the city, blocking highways and clashing violently with border police. The massive sit-in, described as Israel's wartime home front hitting its boiling point, was triggered by recent arrests of Haredi draft dodgers and growing political pressure to end decades-old military exemptions.
Protesters Swarm Police Lines
Protesters swarmed police lines chanting 'We will die and not enlist!' as authorities deployed high-pressure 'skunk water' cannons to clear the blacktop. The explosive footage reveals Israel's deepest social fracture, with demonstrators chasing and surrounding police in a massive street fight.
Political Context
The unrest underscores tensions over the Haredi community's exemption from mandatory military service, a long-standing issue that has resurfaced amid political moves to strip the community of its privileges. The government's push for broader conscription has sparked fierce opposition from ultra-Orthodox leaders.
Watch the video to see the full extent of the clashes, which have shocked the nation and drawn international attention.
