JERUSALEM (AP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for calm after a tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night, where a bus driver ran over and killed a teenage boy during a protest in Jerusalem. The protest was in opposition to a proposed law aimed at drafting members of the ultra-Orthodox community, known as Haredim, into the Israeli military.
In a statement released early Wednesday, Netanyahu urged for restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions following the death of yeshiva student Yosef Eisenthal. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and expressed hope that no additional tragedies would occur.
Graphic video footage from the protest obtained by The Associated Press showed the bus dragging Eisenthal for meters before ultimately running him over, amidst shouts and chaos from onlookers. Following the incident, police arrested and interrogated the bus driver, who claimed that he had been attacked by protesters prior to the collision, according to a spokesperson for Israel police.
Reports indicate that the protesters were not only blocking the road but were also acting aggressively towards police officers, throwing eggs and other objects. This confrontation highlights the rising tensions between Israeli authorities and the ultra-Orthodox community as discussions about military conscription for the Haredim gain momentum.
Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, a small group of ultra-Orthodox scholars had been granted exemptions from military service, which is mandatory for the majority of Jewish citizens. However, these exemptions have significantly increased over the years due to strong advocacy from powerful religious political factions.
The proposal to revoke exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox has gained traction among many secular Israelis, particularly those who have endured multiple tours during ongoing conflicts, including the recent war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
Despite the growing support for drafting Haredim, the movement's opponents within the ultra-Orthodox community assert that military service would fundamentally threaten their religious lifestyle. This opposition poses a political dilemma for Netanyahu, who relies on the backing of religious parties in the Israeli Knesset (Parliament).
The incident not only underscores the increasingly volatile relationship between the Israeli government and the ultra-Orthodox population but also raises concerns about public safety during protests. Authorities and community leaders alike are now faced with the responsibility of addressing these complex social dynamics to prevent further violence and tragedy.
