Teen Killed After Bus Hits Ultra-Orthodox Protesters During Anti-Conscription Rally in Jerusalem

A 14-year-old boy was killed and three other teenagers were injured on Tuesday night after a bus struck ultra-Orthodox protesters during a large anti-conscription demonstration in Jerusalem, Israeli emergency services and police said.

The incident occurred at an intersection in the Romema neighborhood, an ultra-Orthodox area of the city, as tens of thousands gathered to protest mandatory military service for yeshiva students. The victim was later identified as Yosef Eisenthal, a resident of Jerusalem’s Ramot neighborhood. Three other teenagers suffered light injuries, according to medics.

Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that the bus driver had been attacked by protesters who were blocking the road shortly before the ramming. The driver was detained and taken for questioning, with authorities stressing that all circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.

The demonstration, initiated by a group of senior ultra-Orthodox rabbis, began with speeches condemning military conscription but later descended into disorder. Protesters set fires in the middle of Yirmiyahu Street, blocked nearby intersections and clashed with police as the crowd swelled.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the bus struck three pedestrians on Shamgar Street and then hit another person on Ohel Yehoshua Street, according to Magen David Adom. Emergency responders found one victim trapped beneath the bus with severe injuries and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police said protesters threw objects at officers, set fire to bins, blocked traffic and attacked journalists covering the rally. Several reporters were injured by stones and taken for medical treatment.

Ultra-Orthodox political parties condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation. Other officials urged restraint, warning that escalating tensions over military service risk further violence.

The incident has intensified debate in Israel over compulsory military service, public order and relations between the state and the ultra-Orthodox community.