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28 Arrested Amid Violent Protests Against IDF Conscription

2/17/2026

40 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Police in Bnei Brak arrested 28 ultra-Orthodox men after a mob chased two female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid conscription protests, leaving five police officers injured and police vehicles damaged.
All 28 arrestees were released for lack of evidence.
Two arrestees face house arrest for allegedly assaulting an officer.
Rabbi Dov Lando denied inciting violence.
Yair Lapid (opposition leader) condemned the unrest.

History

Historical Context

Tensions over ultra-Orthodox conscription in Israel have persisted since at least 2014, when protests erupted against a law aimed at drafting yeshiva students. By June 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews were unlawful, leading to increased unrest. The recent mob incident in Bnei Brak highlights the ongoing conflict between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities regarding military service obligations.

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Story summary

Police in Bnei Brak arrested 28 ultra-Orthodox men after a mob chased two female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid conscription protests, leaving five police officers injured and police vehicles damaged.
All 28 arrestees were released for lack of evidence.
Two arrestees face house arrest for allegedly assaulting an officer.
Rabbi Dov Lando denied inciting violence.
Yair Lapid (opposition leader) condemned the unrest.

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