An 18 year old died and three others were injured during an ultra Orthodox protest in Jerusalem against mandatory military conscription, intensifying a long running national dispute. A bus struck three pedestrians before fatally running over the young man, with police swiftly dismissing any suspicion of terrorism. Thousands of Haredi demonstrators had gathered to oppose proposed legislation enforcing military service, an issue that continues to divide Israeli society and pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Emergency responders from Magen David Adom reported that the bus lightly injured three pedestrians moments before the fatal impact. Uncertainty remains over whether the victim was participating in the protest, while police sources reiterated that the incident was accidental. The demonstration escalated into violence as rioters blocked major roads, damaged public buses, set trash bins on fire, hurled objects at officers, and assaulted journalists.
The bus driver told investigators that his vehicle came under attack from rioters, describing the death as a tragic accident. Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged restraint, warning that the events should serve as a national alarm. He appealed for responsibility and calm as tensions rose around the long contested conscription debate.
Prime Minister Netanyahu faces growing political strain as opposition leaders and some coalition partners push for broader military enlistment quotas. His government depends heavily on ultra Orthodox factions, which have long benefited from exemptions that do not apply to the rest of the population. The controversy has deepened frustration among Israelis as tens of thousands of conscripts and reservists remain deployed across several fronts despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The Haredi community represents 14 percent of Israel’s Jewish population and includes approximately 66,000 men of military service age. Protests have intensified in recent months after lawmakers introduced a new draft law proposal in November, following the rejection of a previous version in July by parties representing the ultra Orthodox sector.
