'Release Sohlberg's hostages': Soldiers, haredi protesters clash outside of Military Prison 10

Tensions flared outside Military Prison 10 near Kfar Yona, Israel, as IDF soldiers and ultra-Orthodox protesters clashed. The demonstrators gathered in support of seminary students jailed for refusing army recruitment orders, a contentious issue surrounding the IDF's haredi draft law.

Footage circulating on social media showed protesters swarming the prison entrance, pushing aside metal barricades and confronting soldiers. Signs read, "Release [Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam] Sohlberg's hostages and the rest of the haredim from military prison." Sohlberg has become a focal point for these protests after ordering an increase in arrests of draft evaders, which previously led to a riot outside his home on June 3. During that incident, extremist protesters caused property damage, including smashing windows and attempting to break into his house, and left cards depicting an Israeli flag with a swastika.

Meanwhile, the Gur Hasidim sect is reportedly planning a significantly larger demonstration for Wednesday. Reports indicate a convoy will travel from various points across the country towards Military Prison 10, aiming to disrupt traffic and block roads between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This planned action is reportedly coordinated with the Israel Police, unlike previous haredi protests that caused extensive traffic jams.

These demonstrations come shortly after approximately 10,000 haredi draft evaders reportedly blocked Highway 57, causing hours of traffic delays in the Sharon region and leading to the cancellation of after-school activities. Some of these protesters had also congregated outside Military Prison 10, where individuals involved in the attack on Sohlberg's house are being held. MK Yitzhak Goldknopf was reported to be in attendance at one such gathering.