Israel: Violent ultra-Orthodox protests in Jerusalem August 19

Event

On Saturday, August 19, violent protests erupted around the Kikar Hashabbat intersection and on Shomrei Emunim Street in Jerusalem amid ongoing tensions over the compulsory recruitment of ultra-Orthodox men into the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Dozens of ultra-Orthodox (also known as Haredim) demonstrators reportedly threw stones and bottles at police, resulting in five police officers being injured. Rioters also used garbage cans to temporarily block roads, according to the police. Security forces dispersed the crowds and arrested one individual in connection with the riots. Related protests, possibly violent, are likely to continue in the near-term.

Context

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis have historically been able to claim exemption from military service. However, growing segments of Israel's general population resent this exemption, prompting the state to make attempts at adapting military service to accommodate ultra-Orthodox recruits, which has in turn been met with significant pushback by members of the ultra-Orthodox community. Related protests against the draft, some of which have turned violent, have taken place in recent months in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Beit Shemesh, cities that are home to large ultra-Orthodox communities.

Advice

Individuals in Israel are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests due to the risk of violent escalation.

More generally due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers in Israel and throughout the region are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.