IDF soldiers accosted in Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox neighborhood

A number of uniformed IDF soldiers were verbally attacked in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem on Sunday night when the bus they were travelling in broke down.

A bus driving through Mea Shearim carrying many passengers, including three uniformed soldiers, broke down and everyone on board was instructed to leave the vehicle, a police spokeswoman said.

When they noticed the soldiers, dozens of ultra-Orthodox men gathered and began shouting at them.

Police were called to the scene and dispersed the crowd which was trying to block the road and prevent the bus from driving on. As officers were helping the bus maneuver its way out, they were pelted with stones and other objects from the residents.

There were no reports of injury.

In recent weeks, Mea Shearim has seen multiple attacks — both verbal and physical — against uniformed IDF soldiers by extremists members of the ultra-Orthodox community.

The assaults, threats and violent protests by members of the community generally stem from opposition to participating in the conscripted military service Israeli citizens are required to complete.

The attacks have drawn denunciation from military officials, the police and politicians across the political spectrum (though conspicuously not from Haredi lawmakers).

Judah Ari Gross contributed to this report.