Ultra-Orthodox Jews Clash with Police

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Ultra-Orthodox Jews Clash with Police
Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP/TT

Hundreds of ultra-orthodox Jews have clashed with police outside a military base in Tel Aviv in protest against military service. Israel's defence forces have called up 1,200 religious men for conscription.

The recruits were ordered to report to the Tel Hashomer base outside Tel Aviv on Monday and Tuesday. Instead, hundreds of ultra-orthodox Jews showed up to demonstrate against the military's call-up, reports Haaretz.

Military service has long been a contentious issue between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-orthodox Jews who were previously exempt from conscription.

A court recently ruled that the exemption was discriminatory.

Israel's military justifies the call-up with "increased operational needs" in the army. However, only 30 percent of those called up are expected to report, according to Israel's Defense Forces IDF.

About 13 percent of Israel's population consists of ultra-orthodox Jews. Instead of military service, the men have been allowed to study.

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