JERUSALEM — Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh on Friday, June 5, 2026, to protest military draft enforcement and recent arrests. Law enforcement used force to disperse demonstrators in both cities through the evening.
Protesters in Beit Shemesh threw stones and other objects at police officers. A crowd also attempted to force entry into the police station at Jerusalem's Russian Compound. On Sunday, June 7, dozens blocked traffic at the Tunnel Checkpoint on Highway 1 in Jerusalem, where Border Police and Jerusalem District law enforcement officers were deployed.
These demonstrations followed a Wednesday, June 3, 2026, demonstration outside Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg's residence in Alon Shvut. Police arrested at least 62 individuals in connection with that event. Demonstrators at the property broke windows, damaged flowerpots, and damaged a parked vehicle. A protester at the residence also displayed an Israeli flag bearing a swastika symbol.
The legal framework that previously allowed exemptions from military service for many Haredi men expired in June 2023. The High Court of Justice directed the government to establish a new conscription framework, with Justice Sohlberg authoring a key ruling on the matter in November 2025.
United Torah Judaism Member of Knesset Meir Porush delivered a speech on the Knesset floor criticizing police and judicial institutions. He then continued his demonstration outside the chamber. Political organizations United Torah Judaism, Shas, and Chabad released statements addressing the demonstrations, including criticisms of the violence and government institutions.
Yisrael Beytenu party leader Avigdor Liberman commented on the protests. "Even on Shabbat, the draft-dodging rioters prove that they aren't Jewish, don't observe mitzvot and have no God." Liberman said.