Full Breakdown
Violent Ultra-Orthodox Protest at Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg’s Home
6/8/2026, 12:03:40 AM
The Attack on Sohlberg’s Residence
On the night of 3 June 2026, dozens of ultra-Orthodox rioters stormed the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg in the West Bank settlement of Alon Shvut. Windows were smashed, flowerpots broken and a car windshield shattered; an Israeli flag bearing a swastika replaced the Star of David. Police intervened after the crowd tried to breach the house, ultimately arresting 62 suspects.
Background: Draft Enforcement and Haredi Exemptions
A 2024 High Court ruling ended the blanket exemption that allowed full-time yeshiva students to avoid Israel Defense Forces service. Subsequent government orders to arrest draft-dodgers have ignited a wave of protests, with many ultra-Orthodox viewing conscription as a threat to Torah study.
Key Actors
- Justice Noam Sohlberg – Deputy President of the Supreme Court, member of the 2024 ruling mandating conscription.
- Meir Porush – United Torah Judaism MK who denounced police and courts in a Knesset speech.
- Jerusalem Faction – Radical Haredi group leading the street protests.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Condemned the attack and urged a hard line.
- President Isaac Herzog – Warned that intimidation of judges endangers democracy.
- Chief Justice Isaac Amit – Called the assault an attack on the entire judicial system.
Data & Statistics
- Police detained 62 individuals; 55 were slated for remand hearings.
- Approximately 63,000–66,000 Haredi men are legally required to serve; enlistment rose 24 % after the 2023 war began.
- Over 60 arrests have been recorded in recent anti-draft demonstrations.
Official Responses
The government, represented by Netanyahu and Herzog, labeled the incident “unacceptable” and pledged aggressive prosecution. The Supreme Court, through Amit and former president Esther Hayut, described the violence as a breach of the rule of law. Police superintendent Chaim Taieb called the event a “serious criminal act with real intent to harm” and noted its pre-planned nature.
Criticism & Opposition
United Torah Judaism, Shas, and Chabad issued tepid condemnations while blaming Sohlberg for “persecuting Torah students.” Chabad commentator Aryeh Ehrlich accused the judge of “destroying the lives of Jews.” Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot called the government’s response “insufficient” and warned of further escalation.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Resident Tomer Moskowitz heard “loud shouting like a football game” and described the rioters as “not Israelis.” Neighbor Beni Gesundheit reported being spat on and hearing chants of “Hitler, run away!” while defending his home.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of detainees (62 vs. “over 60” vs. 55 slated for remand). Police claim the protest was pre-organized, whereas some eyewitnesses described it as spontaneous. No security cameras were present at Sohlberg’s house, leaving gaps in visual evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You need to understand that. We are servants of God, and you cannot take us out of there.” — Yeshiva student, Chords Bridge.
- “wasn't a demonstration, it was a pogrom.” — Tomer Moskowitz, local council head.
- “They planned to physically harm the judge,” — Senior police official, Channel 12.
- “This riot and other irregular and grave incidents occurring before our eyes constitute an ongoing violation of the principles of our democratic regime, primarily the principle of the rule of law,” — Esther Hayut, former Supreme Court president.
- “The serious acts of violence directed at the deputy president [of the court] and his family are, in effect, an attack on the entire judicial system and on the rule of law in the State of Israel,” — Isaac Amit, Chief Justice.
- “The honor of the Torah is upheld by conducting struggles in a manner that does not lead to the desecration of God’s name,” — Rabbi Kalman Ber, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi.
Why It Matters
The assault highlights a deepening clash between the state’s demand for universal conscription and the ultra-Orthodox sector’s insistence on religious exemption. It raises concerns about the erosion of judicial independence, the potential for street violence, and the stability of a coalition that relies on Haredi parties.
What’s Next
The 62 suspects face extended detention hearings; the judiciary has pledged heightened protection for judges. Legislative debate on a new draft-exemption law remains stalled, while security officials warn that further protests could intensify if the “breaking point” is reached.
