Ultra-Orthodox Protest Erupts in Jerusalem After Deserter's Arrest on Wedding Day
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Ultra-Orthodox protesters launched violent demonstrations in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh on Sunday after the arrest of military deserter Yaari Lieberman, who was detained on his wedding day. Protesters blocked roads and clashed with police, who used dispersal methods. Lieberman was previously released under similar circumstances after a large protest in Modi'in three weeks ago.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked Jerusalem's light rail and clashed with police after a deserter's arrest.
- The arrested deserter, Yaari Lieberman, was detained on his wedding day.
- Protesters threw objects at police, who declared the gathering an illegal disturbance.
- Lieberman was previously released after a large protest blocked his arrest in Modi'in.
- The IDF vowed to continue enforcement actions against draft evaders.
Ultra-Orthodox protesters initiated violent demonstrations in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh on Sunday evening following the arrest of a military deserter. The protests led to the blocking of the light rail on Highway 1. Another group is planning to demonstrate near Military Prison 10, where the deserter, Yaari Lieberman, is being held after his arrest earlier that day, shortly after his wedding ceremony.
The police have classified the demonstrations as a "public disturbance" and are employing crowd dispersal tactics. According to police reports, protesters blocked traffic routes and confronted officers, with some throwing objects at them. An officer declared the gathering an illegal disturbance before the protesters began their actions.
Lieberman had previously made headlines about three weeks prior, on October 6, when military police attempted to arrest him at his parents' home in Modi'in. Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals converged on the scene, clashing with forces and surrounding the military police officers for hours. To prevent bloodshed and de-escalate the situation, authorities eventually removed Lieberman's handcuffs and released him.
At that time, the IDF strongly condemned the riots, stating that enforcement actions against deserters and draft evaders would continue uniformly. The incident also drew sharp criticism from opposition party leaders, who accused the government of losing control and legitimizing a "state within a state."
