Netanyahu seeks to calm tensions after ultra-Orthodox boy killed by bus

[ad_1] JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm Wednesday after a bus driver ran over and killed a teenage boy throughout a protest by hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrators towards a regulation looking for to draft them into Israel’s army.

“I name for restraint to forestall the temper from turning into additional infected in order that, heaven forbid, we shouldn't have extra tragedies,” Netanyahu stated in an announcement, including that the loss of life could be completely investigated.

The incident on Tuesday night killed yeshiva scholar Yosef Eisenthal, who police stated was 14. Video from the protest obtained by The Related Press confirmed the boy being trapped underneath the car whereas the motive force continued to drive on for a number of meters as onlookers jostled and screamed.

Law enforcement officials arrested and questioned the bus driver, who instructed investigators he was attacked by protesters earlier than his car hit the boy. Police stated Wednesday that the motive force’s arrest had been prolonged till Jan. 15. He has not but been charged.

Protesters had been blocking the street and appearing violently towards cops, throwing eggs and different objects at them, a police spokesperson stated.

The violence mirrored rising tensions between the Israeli authorities and the ultra-Orthodox, often called Haredim, as the federal government mulls plans to draft them into the army.

When Israel was based in 1948, a small variety of gifted ultra-Orthodox students had been granted exemptions from the draft, which is obligatory for many Jews within the nation. However with a push from politically highly effective non secular events, these numbers have swelled over the many years.

There's assist for rolling again the ultra-Orthodox exemption amongst many secular Israelis, particularly those that have served a number of rounds of responsibility within the newest war between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza.

Measures to draft the ultra-Orthodox have been met with staunch opposition and occasional violence from non secular protesters who declare serving within the army will destroy their lifestyle. The pushback has created a political drawback for Netanyahu, who depends on the assist of spiritual events within the Israeli Parliament.

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