Story perspectives

Haredi Protest Turns Violent Over Shabbat Café, Draft Issue Escalates

8/2/2026

Summary

Liberman Supports Protest

Avigdor Liberman attended a protest at Café Basimta supporting its Shabbat opening.
Haredi protesters broke police barriers and assaulted a Border Police officer.
Yoel Ben David told Maariv he respects the religious community and wants coexistence.
Yair Golan said police abandoned liberals while supporters gathered for five weeks shouting “Enlist, enlist” and shielding customers.
Liberman warned that if his party wins, draft-dodgers will be forced into service and won’t protest.

Summary

Police Disperse Protest

Police at the Basimta protest lacked riot-control gear and used batons to disperse demonstrators.
The Israel Defense Forces say they need 12,000 new soldiers while 72,000 ultra-Orthodox men 18-24 remain eligible but largely avoid conscription.
Hapoel Jerusalem cancelled free jersey advertising for Basimta after learning the café is linked to Jews for Jesus.

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Liberman Supports Protest

Avigdor Liberman attended a protest at Café Basimta supporting its Shabbat opening.
Haredi protesters broke police barriers and assaulted a Border Police officer.
Yoel Ben David told Maariv he respects the religious community and wants coexistence.
Yair Golan said police abandoned liberals while supporters gathered for five weeks shouting “Enlist, enlist” and shielding customers.
Liberman warned that if his party wins, draft-dodgers will be forced into service and won’t protest.

1 / 2