Anti-draft ultra-Orthodox protesters vandalize police cars in Jerusalem after draft dodger arrested

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters attempted to storm the Oz military police station in Jerusalem early Monday following the overnight arrest of a suspected IDF deserter. The demonstrators gathered outside the station, causing chaos and damaging the tires of three police cars.

Police forces, including the Special Patrol Unit and Border Police, intervened to prevent the protesters from entering the station and dispersed them using force. One Border Police officer sustained light injuries during the confrontation. The Israel Police issued a statement condemning the "inappropriate behavior of the rioters," emphasizing their decisive action to maintain law and order.

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The Israel Police views seriously the inappropriate behavior of the rioters, who arrived at the scene with the aim of causing damage and disrupting the activities of the forces. And therefore the police acted decisively, with zero tolerance and a heavy hand against any manifestation of violence and violation of public order, in order to maintain law and order.

Democrats party leader Yair Golan blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for the incident, attributing it to the government's "policy of evasion." He criticized the coalition for allegedly enabling "violent lawbreaking by deserters" while soldiers serve on the front lines. Golan asserted that the rule of law must be enforced strictly, with those who assault security forces facing imprisonment.

Meanwhile, members of the anti-draft Jerusalem Faction (Peleg Yerushalmi) announced plans for further protests in Jerusalem on Tuesday. These demonstrations are scheduled to last all day and target both IDF recruitment efforts and the imprisonment of ultra-Orthodox individuals evading military service. Posters invited the community to a "demonstration of rage," vowing participation from those who "stood on Mount Sinai."

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While our finest sons and daughters risk their lives on the front lines, the coalition provides tailwind to violent lawbreaking by deserters. The rule of law must be enforced with an iron fist, and anyone who raises a hand against the security forces belongs behind bars and bolts.