Israel is rocked by second night of protests as huge crowds descend on the ... trends now
Israel has been rocked by a second night of protests after huge crowds descended on the streets of Jerusalem to demand Prime Minister Netanyahu's removal and an end to IDF conscription.
Police violently clashed with demonstrators again today as tens of thousands gathered across the country to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza that has so far left nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians, dead.
Protesters also showed their anger at proposals to change existing government policy which grants ultra-Orthodox Jews exemptions from military conscription.
The decades-old rule is set to end today in a controversial move which has caused unrest among sections of Israeli society.
Demonstrators blocked a road near the parliament in Jerusalem continuing a four-day sit-in calling for the dissolution of the government and the return of Israeli hostages who have been held in Gaza since the attacks by Hamas on October 7.
Israel has been rocked by a second night of protests after huge crowds descended on the streets of Jerusalem (pictured: ultra-orthodox protesters in Mea Shearim)
Two separate protests demanded Prime Minister Netanyahu's removal and an end to IDF conscription
Police violently clashed with demonstrators (pictured, in Jerusalem) as tens of thousands gathered across the country to share their rage at the Israeli prime minister and his handling of the war in Gaza that has so far left nearly 33,000 people, most of whom are civilians, dead
Demonstrators blocked a road near the parliament in Jerusalem continuing a four-day sit-in calling for the dissolution of the government
Officers were seen dragging protesters, many holding Israel flags, out of the busy street while armed security forces stood guard nearby as tensions rose
Protesters also demanded the return of Israeli hostages who have been held in Gaza since the attacks by Hamas on October 7
Officers were seen dragging protesters, many holding Israel flags, out of the busy street while armed security forces stood guard nearby as tensions rose.
People could be seen banging drums and shouting through megaphones as they faced up to police in the area.
There were similar scenes at Bnei Brak, a major city northwest of Jerusalem, where ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered to protest against their upcoming conscription into the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).
For the first time in 76 years, Torah study cannot be used as an exemption to being drafted into the armed forces with plans for a more equitable draft law due to be revealed today.
Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension for this draft.
The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israel's military.
Police horses surrounded groups of students blocking the road in the coastal city while armed guards patrolled the area.
Some officers grabbed youngsters by the collar and removed them from the scene.
Protesters (pictured, in Bnei Brak) also showed their anger at proposals to change existing government policy which grants ultra-Orthodox Jews exemptions from military conscription
The decades-old rule is set to end today in a controversial move which has caused unrest among sections of Israeli society
Police horses surrounded groups of students blocking the road in the coastal city while armed guards patrolled the area
Some officers grabbed youngsters by the collar and removed them from the scene
Netanyahu, who relies heavily on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, last week asked for an extension for this draft
The Bank of Israel said in its annual report on Sunday that there could be economic damage if large numbers of ultra-Orthodox men continue not to serve in Israel's military
At Bnei Brak, a major city northwest of Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered to protest against their upcoming conscription into the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)
This comes after a group of reservists and retired officers demonstrated in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood following growing resentment over exemptions for service based on religious grounds.
Members of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms, made up of current and former IDF members, clashed with ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood last night.
Police were forced to intervene as members of both sides began scraps with each other.
Yesterday armed guards took extreme measures to get angry demonstrators under control across Israel, with photographers capturing brutal moments where cops dragged demonstrators across tarmac and beat them into submission.
Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, not only calling for the release of the estimated 130 people still held captive since October 7, but also for Netanyahu to be removed from power, following months of dissatisfaction.
The 74-year-old was last night undergoing surgery for a hernia that the hospital treating him
