Police forcibly remove ultra-Orthodox men blocking Jerusalem street over potential new draft law

(19 Mar 2024) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Jerusalem - 8 March 2024 1. Various of Israeli police officer lifting and dragging ultra-Orthodox protesters blocking road to sidewalk STORYLINE: Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked a road in Jerusalem on Monday during a demonstration over a potential new draft law which could end their exemptions from Israel’s military service. Police were seen lifting and dragging protesters to the sidewalk. However, there were no reports of arrests. The service is compulsory for Jewish men and women, but politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have won exemptions to allow members of their communities to study full-time in religious seminaries. These exemptions have prompted widespread anger and resentment from the secular majority, especially as the Israeli army has recently announced that compulsory service may be extended, and reserve duty will be more frequent. The government is required to submit a new draft law in the coming months. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which are a key coalition partner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hope to continue the system of exemptions. Opponents, including key members of a mass protest movement against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, say the exemptions are unfair and must end. AP Video by Shlomo Mor =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel 44(0)2074827482 Email: info@. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: