Protests in Jerusalem turned violent on Sunday as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers and targeted a government minister's car. The unrest stemmed from opposition to a recent Israeli Supreme Court ruling mandating the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military.
According to local police reports, rioters threw stones at police officers and attacked the car of Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf as he made his way home. Trash cans were set on fire, and the highway was blocked by protesters.
Fortunately, Goldknopf was safely evacuated from the scene and was unharmed during the incident. The minister, who heads the United Torah Judaism party, has been a prominent figure in the ongoing protests.
The court's ruling, issued last Tuesday, marked a significant shift in policy regarding the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service. Previously, these individuals were not required to serve, but the recent decision has sparked outrage within the community.
Despite mandatory conscription applying to both men and women in Israel, the ruling specifically targets ultra-Orthodox men. This has led to widespread demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience in Jerusalem.
Police had to resort to the use of force to disperse the protesters after repeated warnings were ignored. Several arrests were made, including individuals who attacked police officers and those who engaged in violent behavior such as throwing stones.
In response to the escalating tensions, law enforcement officials have maintained a presence in the area to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances. The police have condemned the violent actions of the protesters and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are closely monitoring the developments and are prepared to take necessary measures to restore order and security in the region.
