The attempt to issue a parking ticket in a Jerusalem ultra‑Orthodox neighborhood erupted into violence Thursday, injuring 13 police officers and leaving five hospitalized. Hundreds of residents converged, damaging police vehicles and attempting to free a detainee; police used stun grenades, water cannons and batons and said four arrests were made. The incident underscores rising tensions over plans to draft Haredi men into military service, a deeply divisive issue in Israel.
Parking Ticket Sparks Violent Clash in Jerusalem Ultra‑Orthodox Quarter; 13 Officers Injured
Israeli police officers scuffle with young Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters during a violent disturbance in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
JERUSALEM — What began as an attempt to issue a routine parking ticket in an ultra‑Orthodox (Haredi) neighborhood in Jerusalem escalated Thursday into a violent confrontation that left 13 police officers injured, authorities said.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters run for cover from a gas grenade thrown by Israeli police during a violent disturbance in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Scene and Immediate Response
Police said trouble started when an inspector moved to issue the citation and was met with threats and physical aggression. An officer made an initial arrest at the scene, and hundreds of residents quickly converged, trying to free the detainee. Protesters damaged police vehicles and hurled stones and eggs at officers, according to authorities.
Israeli police shoot a water canon as they work to restore order during a violent disturbance by Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/ Mahmoud Illean)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
In response, police deployed stun grenades, fired water cannons and used batons, video footage circulating on Israeli social media showed. Photos from the scene depicted an overturned car and multiple vehicles with shattered windshields.
Israeli police officers work to restore order during a violent disturbance by Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/ Mahmoud Illean)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Injuries, Arrests and Aftermath
Authorities reported that 13 officers were injured, five of whom were taken to hospital; several others sustained lighter injuries. By Thursday afternoon police said they had arrested four people overall and were investigating additional suspects. Residents alleged the confrontation was tied to an attempt to detain a man for failing to register for the military draft — an allegation the police denied.
Ultra Orthodox protesters clash with Israeli police during a violent disturbance in Jerusalem, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/ Mahmoud Illean)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Later the same day, ultra‑Orthodox demonstrators blocked a major coastal highway, although police said there were no immediate reports of violence at that blockade.
Broader Context
The clash reflects wider and growing tensions over efforts to draft Haredi men into Israel's military. Since Israel's founding in 1948, a small number of outstanding ultra‑Orthodox scholars received draft exemptions. Over time, and with political pressure from influential religious parties, the number of exemptions has grown.
Many secular Israelis — including reservists who have served repeatedly in recent conflicts with Hamas in Gaza — support reducing exemptions and requiring broader military service. Ultra‑Orthodox communities argue that compulsory service would undermine their religious way of life; they generally prioritize full‑time study in yeshivas and seminaries.
Roughly 1.3 million ultra‑Orthodox Jews account for about 13% of Israel’s population and broadly oppose conscription. Authorities said investigations into Thursday’s clashes were continuing.
Note: All figures and accounts are based on official police statements, social media footage circulating from the scene, and reporting available at the time.
