Israel Confirms Remains of two Hostages Returned from Gaza
Jerusalem – Israel confirmed Thursday the identification of the remains of two hostages recovered from Gaza, bringing the total number of Israelis confirmed dead since the October 7th attacks to 36. The identities were withheld pending family notification. The return of the remains occured as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested in Jerusalem against potential military conscription.
the protest, organized by the United Torah Judaism and Shass parties, drew demonstrators from across Israel demanding the reinstatement of exemptions from mandatory military service for students of yeshivas (Talmudic schools). The Supreme Court had previously invalidated this long-standing arrangement. The war in Gaza, which has mobilized hundreds of thousands of Israelis, has further intensified the debate, highlighting manpower shortages within the israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Police closed a major road leading into Jerusalem and deployed 2,000 officers to manage the exhibition.
The ultra-Orthodox community comprises 14% of Israel’s Jewish population, approximately 1.3 million people. Until recently,around 66,000 military-age men within the community received exemptions from service. In recent months, the IDF has issued thousands of conscription notices, and several individuals have been imprisoned for desertion, fueling the protests.
An IDF report presented to Parliament in September indicated a slight increase in voluntary enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox, despite opposition from community leaders. However,the numbers remain small – only a few hundred have joined in the past two years. A more hardline faction within the movement, staunchly opposed to any compromise with the state, declined to participate in Thursday’s rally.
