'Army needs to learn: don't enter Haredi cities': tensions linger in Bnei Brak after riots

A day after hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters clashed with female soldiers and police, calm appeared to return Monday morning to Bnei Brak, even as tensions over military service continued to simmer. In the Zikhron Meir neighborhood, home to several large yeshivas, the sound of Torah study drifted from study halls as residents resumed their routines. The unrest erupted Sunday when demonstrators confronted female soldiers in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox city, leading to violent clashes with police. Videos circulating online showed protesters attacking security forces and setting objects ablaze. Police later dispersed the crowd. By Monday morning, all suspects detained in connection with the violence had been released, despite many participants being clearly visible in video footage. Residents expressed sharply differing views on the unrest. 'We are not looking for fights or friction,' said Shlomo, a yeshiva student. 'On the contrary, if there is a police or military presence nearby, the instruction is to remain in the yeshiva and not be dragged into confrontation.' Another student, Shmuel, said that anyone from his yeshiva who took part in such protests would be disavowed. Others, however, defended the unrest as a response to efforts to enlist ultra-Orthodox men into the military. 'The army needs to learn: Don't make provocations and don't enter ultra-Orthodox cities.' Some residents criticized police conduct, alleging that officers used stun grenades and excessive force against bystanders.