Protest against compulsory military service in Tel Aviv
Israeli police arrested 13 ultra-Orthodox Jews in Bnei Brak city Thursday who were protesting the arrest of a youth who refused to enlist in the army.
Mounted police were also deployed, and some protesters narrowly missed being trampled, with some sustaining injuries.
The police said in a statement that the protesters were arrested for disturbing public order and blocking roads.
Military service is mandatory for most Israelis, although the ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed exemptions in the past in favor of religious seminary studies.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up approximately 10 percent of Israel's population and generally reject joining the army.
The Israeli army rounded up 17 Palestinians in overnight raids carried out late Wednesday and early Thursday across the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli public radio.The individuals were arrested for “suspected involvement in popular terrorist activities”, the broadcaster stated without explaining the nature of said activities.The army frequently carries out wide-ranging arrest campaigns across the Israeli-occupied West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians.According to Palestinian figures, as many as 6,500 Palestinians are currently languishing in Israeli prisons, including scores of women and hundreds of minors.New Egypt ambassador to Israel to assume post next weekIsrael delegation in Chad to discuss strengthening tiesIsrael approves plan for new West Bank settlement units
Israeli army rounds up 17 Palestinians in W. Bank raids
Khaled Mahmoud Azmi next week will deliver his credentials to the Israeli Foreign Ministry as Cairo’s new envoy to the self-proclaimed Jewish state, according to Israeli sources. Israel’s official broadcasting corporation said Thursday that Azmi -- who replaces outgoing ambassador Hazem Khairat -- would present his credentials to the ministry on Sunday before presenting them to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.Azmi is set to become Egypt’s seventh ambassador to Israel since the two countries established formal relations after signing the Camp David peace treaty in 1979.On Tuesday, Israel appointed Amira Oron as its ambassador to Cairo, the first woman to hold the position.Oron will replace David Govrin, who has held the post since 2016.With the signing of the 1979 peace treaty, Egypt became the first Arab country to recognize Israel.In 1980, Israel opened its embassy in Cairo. One month later, Egypt opened its embassy in Tel Aviv.In 1982, Israel completed the final phase of its withdrawal from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, which it had occupied during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.Israel delegation in Chad to discuss strengthening ties
New Egypt ambassador to Israel to assume post next week
A senior delegation of Israeli officials traveled to Chad this week to discuss the possibility of renewing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Israeli media reported Thursday.Chad cut relations with Israel almost 40 years ago following the latter’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.In September of last year, Dore Gold, then director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, visited the North African country for talks with Chadian officials.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently expressed his government's hope of bolstering ties with African states with a view to offsetting their longstanding support for the Palestinians at UN institutions.Israel approves plan for new West Bank settlement units
Israel delegation in Chad to discuss strengthening ties