Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Clash with Police Outside Ra'anana Station Over Deserter Arrest
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters clashed with police outside the Ra'anana police station following the arrest of a military deserter, amid ongoing judicial scrutiny over IDF draft enforcement.
Dozens of extremist ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked traffic outside the police station at the Ra'anana Junction on Wednesday, protesting the arrest of an IDF deserter. Following more than three hours of demonstrations, clashes erupted with police forces, who began making arrests.
According to police sources, the deserter was spotted driving a vehicle without license plates. After police volunteers told him to report to the station the following day, it was discovered upon his arrival that he was a deserter, and he was transferred to the Military Police. The protesters were summoned via the Jerusalem Faction's "Black Color" hotline, which assists ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Tel Aviv District Court severely criticized the state over ultra-Orthodox conscription, noting that the IDF repeatedly failed to meet deadlines for submitting responses. "Court decisions are not a recommendation," Judge Limor Bibi stated during a hearing after IDF representatives struggled to provide basic data on draft enforcement.
