Two female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces had to be rescued by police after being chased by a crowd of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv. The women were visiting another soldier when people wrongly believed they were delivering army draft orders. Military service is required for most Jewish citizens in Israel, but ultra-Orthodox men have long been exempt if they study full-time in religious schools. Recent efforts to change this rule have caused anger and large protests. Police used stun grenades to control the crowd and arrested 23 people. Three officers were hurt, and police vehicles were damaged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and saying it did not represent the whole ultra-Orthodox community. Religious leaders also criticized the violence. The debate over military service has become more serious during the Gaza war, as the government considers new draft laws.

Pray for wise counsel and unity among the authorities as they draft new laws on military matters in Israel. Pray for fair and most acceptable ways to implement the laws in the nation. Pray for divine peace and justice to prevail in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 33:20).

Pray for the political stability in Israel. Pray for the lawmakers to find a peaceful solution to end the internal conflicts about military service (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 11:14).

News Source: BBC

Image Source: Canva