Story perspectives

Riots Assault Judge’s Home; Rabello Elected, Smotrich Visits Washington

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ultra-Orthodox rioters smashed windows, damaged a car and placed swastikas on flags at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s Jerusalem home on June 3.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, ordered police to detain dozens, as the riot followed the draft-evasion law push that sparked arrests and protests.
Michael Rabello was elected state comptroller after a revote amid secret-ballot accusations.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich travelled to Washington to advance the Isaac Accords with Latin America.

History

Historical Context

After the Tal Committee’s 1999 report, the Knesset enacted the Tal Law on 23 July 2002, granting about 30,000 ultra-Orthodox men a deferment that grew to over 41,000 by 2005. The High Court struck it down on 21 February 2012, prompting the Plesner Committee and repeated political battles. Today Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are drafting new conscription rules amid renewed Haredi protests.

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Story summary

Ultra-Orthodox rioters smashed windows, damaged a car and placed swastikas on flags at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s Jerusalem home on June 3.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, ordered police to detain dozens, as the riot followed the draft-evasion law push that sparked arrests and protests.
Michael Rabello was elected state comptroller after a revote amid secret-ballot accusations.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich travelled to Washington to advance the Isaac Accords with Latin America.

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