Ultra-Orthodox defy Israel lockdown despite spike

As Israel continues a nation-wide virus lockdown, the violation of the restrictions by segments of the ultra-Orthodox population has angered a broader Israeli public that is largely complying with the rules imposed to halt a raging coronavirus outbreak.

Clashes have broken out in various areas across the country where police have closed down synagogues in a bid to prevent large gatherings.

Several protesters and police officers have been injured in the scuffles.

The defiance on display has confounded public health experts, tested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's longstanding political alliance with religious leaders and triggered a new wave of resentment from secular Israelis who fear for their health and livelihoods.

The ultra-Orthodox claim they are being unfairly targeted by authorities.

They point to large weekly protests, mainly by secular Israelis, against Netanyahu's handling of the pandemic that has continued throughout the summer.

Only last week, the government finally placed limits on the size of the protests, citing violations of public health guidelines.

Israel, with a population of 9 million, is battling one of the world's worst coronavirus outbreaks on a per capita basis.

Its ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up roughly 10% of the population, accounts for over one-third of the country's coronavirus cases.

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