Ultra-Orthodox Jews in mass protest against Israel army draft

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews have protested in Jerusalem against plans to force members of their community to serve in the Israeli military.

Several people were arrested after bottles, stones and a smoke grenade were thrown at police. Protesters and police were hurt in the clashes.

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis are currently exempt from military service while they study in religious schools or yeshivas.

Secular Israelis object to this and plans are being made to enlist them.

At least 15,000 men, all dressed in the black coats and hats traditionally worn by Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews, crowded into the streets around the military's recruitment office, in the Haredi neighbourhood of Mekor Barukh on Thursday night. Some estimates put the number of protesters much higher.

They were called to protest by two ultra-Orthodox factions which strictly oppose any change to the conscription laws which would make national service compulsory for their students.