Full Breakdown
Violent Protest at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s Home Raises Stakes in Haredi Draft Enforcement
6/4/2026, 2:08:04 AM
Riot at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s Home
On the night of 3 June 2026, dozens of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators gathered at the Alon Shvut residence of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg. They smashed windows, damaged his car, attempted to breach the house and displayed flags with swastikas. After the assault the crowd boarded a bus; police stopped the vehicle and detained the occupants. Law-enforcement later arrested more than 50 participants, with one report citing 70 arrests.
Legal Background on Haredi Draft Exemptions
The June 2023 expiration of the legal framework that allowed many Haredi men to defer military service removed the statutory basis for draft exemptions. The High Court ordered a new enforcement regime, and Justice Sohlberg authored the November 2025 ruling demanding immediate action to end draft evasion, which fuels current protests.
Government and Judicial Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the riot, urged police to use full force, and confirmed he called Justice Sohlberg. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the rioters “extremist criminals” with no Torah link. Justice Minister Yariv Levin demanded decisive police action and warned that those who legitimize disruption share responsibility. President Isaac Herzog said the attack crossed a “dangerous red line” and threatened democratic foundations. The judiciary called the act “grave and unacceptable” and pledged to protect judges.
Criticism, Opposition, and Witness Accounts
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel said a rule-of-law state cannot stay silent while police previously avoided arresting protestors in anti-draft actions. Shas chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf and Shas MK Yinon Azoulay condemned the violence as contrary to Torah values. United Torah Judaism’s Yitzhak Goldknopf also denounced the attacks and urged action on draft evasion. Meira Sohlberg called the scene “a pogrom, Kristallnacht,” expressing shock at Jews harming each other. Detained protester Netanel said participants were told to recite Psalms and that a few “got out of control.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on the number of arrests, citing “more than 50,” “dozens,” and “70” detainees. Accounts vary on police handling of the bus, with some describing it as locked inside and others as held until reinforcements arrived. The presence of Israeli flags bearing swastikas is noted but not quantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I strongly condemn the violent riot against Justice Noam Sohlberg.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “Incitement, threats and damage to the home of a judge in Israel are not protest — they are the crossing of a dangerous red line.” — Isaac Herzog
- “We are children of Holocaust survivors. How can Jews do this to one another?” — Meira Sohlberg
What’s Next
Police investigations under the Judea and Samaria Police Central Unit continue, and prosecutors indicate that full charges may be filed. The episode is expected to shape Knesset deliberations on a draft-enforcement bill and could influence coalition dynamics ahead of the upcoming elections.
