Ultra-Orthodox Jews Protest against Plan to Draft Them into Israel Defense Forces

Israeli police used water cannon on ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters on Thursday in the southern city of Ashdod, following demonstrations against plans to enlist them in the military. Police also claimed that highways were being blocked across the country as part of the protest. In Ashdod, demonstrators hurled stones at police, injuring two. While in Jerusalem around 400 ultra-Orthodox Jews tried to block the entrance to the city. The trouble follows a Supreme Court ruling this week ordering funding halted to ultra-Orthodox seminaries whose students dodge the draft.