Ultra-Orthodox draft

MKs Gafni and Deri stated that the prime minister had “made it clear at the meeting that he is committed to approving the laws and will work to advance them quickly.”

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., hundreds of protesters are expected to arrive in Bnei Brak as part of a demonstration against inequality in the burden of service.

The bill seeks to enshrine Torah study in the country’s Basic Law as part of a proposal that critics argue encourages draft evasion and changes the status of yeshiva students who do not serve.

The officer was released without restrictions. The investigation was initiated last week, as several videos were circulated around social media showing the assaults.

Protests cause heavy traffic on 29 major roads • Social media footage shows protesters and secular citizens in violent physical altercations • MKs Goldknopf, Malkieli attended protests

Sohlberg has become a focal point of such protests following his order to increase arrests of draft evaders, the peak of which took place on June 3, when a haredi riot broke out outside of his home.

"Trump turned against us because of the decrees being imposed on Torah scholars and because they are being arrested,” Yosef said.

On Thursday evening, light rail service was partially suspended between Jerusalem’s central bus station and Mount Herzl station due to haredi protests.

We must remember that in any society, different groups will contribute in different ways. To aim for a forced “equality of service” is insensible.

It is inconceivable to most of us living here that in the minds of some in the religious leadership in this country there is a belief that studying Torah is fully equivalent to serving in the army.