Police Increase Security for Israeli Election Committee Chair Noam Sohlberg

Israeli police have significantly increased security measures for Noam Sohlberg, the chairman of the Central Elections Committee and a Supreme Court justice. The decision was made in recent weeks, with enhanced protection implemented in the past few days. The increased security is a direct response to threats Sohlberg has faced due to his role in the upcoming elections.

These threats are also linked to protests directed at him in his capacity as Deputy President of the Supreme Court, specifically concerning the court's stance on the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the military. Sohlberg has been a target of anger from some segments of the ultra-Orthodox community regarding this issue.

On June 3rd, dozens of rioters reportedly arrived at Sohlberg's home in Alon Shvut, a settlement in the West Bank. They allegedly broke windows in his house and his wife's car, damaged the entrance, and smashed vases and potted plants. Flyers depicting Sohlberg's image with the message "Remove your hand from the persecution of religious Jewry" were thrown into the yard, and Israeli flags defaced with swastikas were placed in the street. Approximately 63 ultra-Orthodox individuals, some of whom were described as yeshiva students who had evaded military service, were arrested in connection with the incident.

The Central Elections Committee confirmed that Sohlberg is being secured according to security needs and police directives, stating they could not provide further details on the security arrangements.