Violent clashes in Jerusalem as ultra-Orthodox Jews protest military draft ruling

Protests erupted in central Jerusalem as thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police over a Supreme Court order mandating their enlistment in the military. The decision, seen as a threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, sparked outrage among the ultra-Orthodox community, who have historically been exempt from military service in favor of religious studies. The use of water cannons and mounted police failed to quell the unrest, highlighting the deep-seated opposition to the draft within this community. The ultra-Orthodox parties, integral to Netanyahu's coalition, are at a crossroads as they weigh the possibility of leaving the government in protest. With public sentiment turning against them amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the parties face a dilemma that could potentially lead to new elections. The protests, marked by violence and attacks on law enforcement, underscore the high stakes involved in the debate over military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox population. The demonstrations turned chaotic as protesters targeted Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf's car and clashed with police, resulting in arrests and disruptions to traffic. The court's ruling, which also threatens to cut funding to religious schools that do not comply with the draft, has further fueled tensions within the ultra-Orthodox community. Social media footage captured the intensity of the protests, with scenes of fires, confrontations, and arrests painting a grim picture of the escalating conflict in Jerusalem. As the standoff continues, the Israeli police have vowed to maintain order and crack down on violent behavior from protesters. The clash between tradition, religious beliefs, and state-mandated military service has brought to the forefront a deep-seated societal divide that threatens to unravel the delicate balance of power within Netanyahu's government. The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for both the ultra-Orthodox community and the political landscape of Israel.