Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with Israeli authorities over conscription
Clashes broke out earlier today at an enlistment centre near Tel Aviv between Haredi men – also known as ultra-Orthodox Jews – and Israeli authorities.
Pictures from the scene show ultra-Orthodox protesters blocking roads and being taken away by Israeli forces.
The conscription of the ultra-Orthodox community, traditionally exempt from mandatory service, has become a major flashpoint in Israel. The Netanyahu government has pushed controversial efforts to enlist them, following a 2024 High Court ruling in favour of ending exemptions.
The Yedioth Ahronoth daily quoted the chief of staff as saying, “I take seriously the demonstrations of a group of extremists in front of the recruitment office near Tel Aviv.”
“The Israeli army appreciates the attendance of Haredi youth at the recruitment office to join the service to enhance the security of the state. The army is preparing to integrate the Haredi population into its ranks in a way that respects their privacy, and we need everyone.”
Israeli army demolishes five Palestinian homes in occupied West Bank
The Wafa news agency is reporting that five homes have been demolished in Idhna, a town west of Hebron in the southern West Bank.
The Israeli military has carried out an intensified crackdown on Palestinians in the West Bank during the Gaza war, arresting scores of people. Israel regularly demolishes Palestinian homes and other structures in occupied territory in what rights group B’Tselem says is a form of collective punishment.
More than a dozen Gaza community kitchens closed over weekend: UN
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, tells reporters that “humanitarian operations continue to be severely constrained” due to Israeli attacks and the blockade on Gaza.
“Our partners tell us that over the weekend, 16 additional community kitchens had to close,” Dujarric said.
“More kitchens are expected to close this week as they run out of supplies.” He added that Palestinians in Gaza “rely on these meals as their only consistent source of food assistance”.
