Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Attack Israeli Supreme Court Judge's Home

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators attacked the home of Supreme Court deputy president Noam Sohlberg on the evening of June 3. The incident occurred during protests against military conscription for religious students. Material damage remained limited, but the event drew public attention. Police arrested around 60 suspects in connection with the attack.

Ultra-Orthodox groups have long refused compulsory military service on religious grounds. Their parliamentary representatives form part of the governing coalition and have worked to preserve an exemption first established in 1948. A bill introduced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to maintain most of these exemptions.

The measure failed to secure a majority, prompting the coalition's collapse at the end of May. Early elections are now scheduled for the autumn. The protests reflect ongoing tensions over the Supreme Court ruling that ended the exemption.