Five Injured in Beit Shemesh Ultra-Orthodox Protest Over Draft Dodger

Five people were injured during an ultra-Orthodox protest in Beit Shemesh, including a 15-year-old boy who sustained moderate-to-severe injuries to his lower limbs. Magen David Adom (MDA) medics and Tzohar rescue volunteers rushed to Nahar HaYarden Boulevard following reports of casualties and provided initial medical treatment at several locations.

According to rescue personnel, the 15-year-old suffered severe trauma to his lower extremities and was evacuated in moderate condition to the trauma unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. United Hatzalah reported that at least three of the injured were struck by stun grenades deployed by police forces attempting to disperse the demonstration, including a 36-year-old pregnant woman who sustained light-to-moderate injuries.

Additional injuries occurred when concrete blocks were pushed onto the roadway, resulting in two 15-year-olds being hurt. One of them suffered critical injuries to his toes with a risk of amputation. Police stated that rioters hurled stones, set garbage bins on fire, and rolled concrete blocks onto the road, emphasizing that the incident involving the crushed toes occurred in an area where no police officers were present.

The unrest erupted following the arrest of an ultra-Orthodox draft dodger who was detained in front of his bride while heading to a bank branch. The arrest sparked widespread outrage, leading to demonstrations across the country, including major traffic disruptions and road blockages near Bar Lev Road and Highway 1 in Jerusalem.