A confrontation broke out Friday afternoon at the entrance to Bnei Brak between Haredi locals and demonstrators protesting draft evasion, photographer Hanokh Fogel documented. The clash comes amid mounting tensions over IDF enlistment equality, as civil-defense-style protests have escalated in recent days.
A physical altercation broke out Friday afternoon at the main entrance to Bnei Brak, pitting Haredi residents against demonstrators protesting what the protesters describe as draft evasion from military service. Photographer Hanokh Fogel documented the confrontation. The exact cause and scale of the clash are not yet independently confirmed.
The incident is the latest in an intensifying series of confrontations over IDF enlistment equality. On Thursday, the protest group 'Mothers on the Frontline' threatened to block access to Bnei Brak and other Haredi cities, warning 'blockades will be met with blockades.' Yesterday, a violent brawl broke out between secular passersby and Haredi protesters at an earlier demonstration, as The Zioneer reported. Earlier this week, extremist Haredi activists blocked the entrance to the Beit Lid military prison, and other demonstrators blocked a bus carrying soldiers near Jerusalem.
Friday's clash appears to reflect the direct friction of anti-draft protesters approaching a major Haredi population center. No injuries or arrests have been reported yet. The broader campaign of protests and counter-protests continues, with civil unrest in central Israel emerging as a persistent flashpoint.
3 developments
- StrongLeft-wing protest at Bnei Brak entry concludes
- DevelopingBnei Brak council member Yaakov Vider condemns anti-draft protesters blocking entrances
- DevelopingHaredi protesters try to block extradition of draft evaders to military police in Jerusalem
- StrongExtremist Haredim protest outside Beit Lid military base against draft-evader arrests
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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