Story perspectives

Ultra-Orthodox Blockades Disrupt Transport; Knesset Ties Exemption Bill to Election Shift

6/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked highways and train lines on June 10-11, prompting the Israel Airports Authority to keep airports open and urge train travel because of congestion.
Police used stun grenades, arrested participants, warned travelers to avoid Dan Bloc region.
A 21-year-old protester and a 93-year-old civilian were injured by vehicles at the sites.
The Knesset advanced a draft-exemption bill linking its passage to a deal on moving the election date.

History

Historical Context

In June 2024 ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked highways, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s police to fire stun grenades and make arrests. The action revives the dispute sparked by the 1995 Tal Law, which exempted about 300,000 men, and the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that struck down that exemption. The episode underscores Israel’s ongoing struggle to balance religious exemption with universal conscription.

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Story summary

Ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked highways and train lines on June 10-11, prompting the Israel Airports Authority to keep airports open and urge train travel because of congestion.
Police used stun grenades, arrested participants, warned travelers to avoid Dan Bloc region.
A 21-year-old protester and a 93-year-old civilian were injured by vehicles at the sites.
The Knesset advanced a draft-exemption bill linking its passage to a deal on moving the election date.

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