Orthodox Jewish sects took a page out of the Palestinian terrorism handbook by declaring a “day of rage” against the government over the issue of mandatory military service.
Orthodox Jews are still not required by law to serve in the IDF, a fact that perturbs most every other Israeli Jew, who are all required to serve after turning 18 years of age.
Some Orthodox Jews volunteer to serve, and elements in the government are seeking to make it mandatory for all Jews, regardless of religious affiliation.
Some of these Orthodox sects refuse even to recognize the authority of the State of Israel, and therefore erupted in violent street protests across Jerusalem and neighboring Beit Shemesh.