Three police officers were injured Tuesday during heated protests outside a military recruitment conference in Jerusalem, as ultra-Orthodox demonstrators clashed with security forces in the latest flashpoint over religious military service.
The confrontation erupted when around 100 protesters gathered outside the Binyanei Ha'Uma convention center, where the Israel Defense Forces was holding a recruitment event for its Netzach Yehuda religious combat unit. Demonstrators blocked major roads, dismantled security barriers, and allegedly threw stones and pepper spray at police officers.
"Our hearts ached when they murdered you, but to the army you're worth less than dogs, and now you're fighting and beating us," one protester was captured shouting at officers in footage from the scene. The comment appeared to reference police casualties in the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Police said they worked to protect conference attendees caught in the chaos while maintaining public safety. "Officers are continuing to secure the area to allow the conference to proceed without interruption," a police spokesperson said, confirming that three female officers sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over ultra-Orthodox military service in Israel, a deeply controversial issue in the religious community. While most Israeli Jews are required to serve in the military, many ultra-Orthodox men receive exemptions to pursue religious studies.
The Netzach Yehuda unit, specifically designed for religious soldiers, has become a particular target of ultra-Orthodox protesters who view it as an attempt to draw their community into military service.
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