נאך פון די מאסיווע פראטעסטן פריער אין בני ברק
A tense confrontation unfolded in Bnei Brak, Israel, when ultra-Orthodox protesters trapped two female IDF military policewomen inside the Bohush Yeshiva, prompting immediate intervention by law enforcement. Videos from the scene show hundreds of black-clad Haredi men surrounding police vehicles and ambulances, highlighting the intensity of the unrest and the community’s opposition to the recent Supreme Court ruling ending military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
Police were able to extract the officers safely amid the mob, though the incident underscores growing challenges in maintaining public order during protests tied to sensitive societal issues. Authorities described the crowd as aggressive, employing coordinated blocking and attempts to impede law enforcement movement, demonstrating heightened tension over the implementation of the conscription decision.
The unrest is part of a broader pattern of demonstrations against Israel’s Supreme Court ruling, which requires ultra-Orthodox men to serve in the military, a significant shift from long-standing exemptions. While many in the community see the measure as a threat to religious study traditions, the government maintains it is necessary to ensure equality of civic duties and sustain national security.
Officials emphasized that violent obstruction of military personnel is unacceptable and that legal measures will be pursued against those participating in aggressive behavior. The rapid response by police prevented harm to the soldiers and allowed emergency vehicles to navigate through the crowds, though the incident vividly illustrated the risks associated with large-scale, emotionally charged demonstrations.
Bnei Brak authorities continue to monitor the area, coordinating with national security and municipal agencies to prevent further escalation and to uphold both public safety and the rule of law. The episode highlights the intersection of legal, religious, and civic tensions in Israel and the challenges of enforcing new policies in areas with concentrated ultra-Orthodox populations.
