Story perspectives

Draft Exemption Riots Lead to Police Clashes, Arrests

6/6/2026

Left

Ultra-Orthodox Riots

A civilian said police kicked him in head, bleeding, while they claimed no authority to disperse protesters at Jerusalem station.
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox rioters damaged windows, car glass and flowerpots at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s residence, though no injuries were reported.
Police detained 65 protesters and extended detention for the 62 suspects, leaving 18 in custody.
The riots occurred amid debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption, an issue for Israel’s elections.

Right

Herzog Condemns Assault

President Yitzhak Amit said June 3 assault on Noam Sohlberg’s West Bank home was a red-line breach endangering rule of law.
Noam Sohlberg’s West Bank home was attacked on June 3; police called the riot an organized operation and detained dozens.
President Isaac Herzog called protest unacceptable, saying no viewpoint justifies attacks on officials or families.
Meira Sohlberg, deputy president’s wife, asked how Jews could harm each other after vandalism.

History

Historical Context

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who entered the cabinet in 2022, repeatedly pushes for a Torah-based legal system, reflecting Israel’s growing religious-nationalist influence. His Kedumim settlement roots, 2019 call to run the state “as in King David’s days,” and a family of seven children illustrate a long-standing ultra-Orthodox pressure that has resurfaced in today’s violent clashes.

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Ultra-Orthodox Riots

A civilian said police kicked him in head, bleeding, while they claimed no authority to disperse protesters at Jerusalem station.
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox rioters damaged windows, car glass and flowerpots at Justice Noam Sohlberg’s residence, though no injuries were reported.
Police detained 65 protesters and extended detention for the 62 suspects, leaving 18 in custody.
The riots occurred amid debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption, an issue for Israel’s elections.

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