Serious tensions have surfaced within the Israeli government over legislation on military enlistment for the Orthodox.

At a Peri Committee meeting held on Sunday and Monday, Science and Technology Minister Yaakov Peri and Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon argued over a proposal to imprison Orthodox men who avoid conscription.

Nearly two years after hundreds of thousands of middle-class Israelis joined social justice protests against the government, the new state budget prompted further demonstrations last weekend.

Ten thousand people took part in the Saturday-night demonstration in central Tel Aviv, with smaller protests in other cities.

With her youth, bright-red hair and eloquent idealism, Stav Shaffir makes a striking symbol of resistance.

On his visit to Israel, US President Barack Obama will speak to thousands of Israeli and Arab students rather than giving a speech to the Knesset, in order to reach out to the younger generation.

Shas, Israel’s religious Sephardi party, has announced its official list for the upcoming Knesset elections.

Interior Minister Eli Yishai was awarded top spot by the party’s Council of Torah Sages.

Aryeh Deri came second and Ariel Attias won third place.

In an interview with Ynet on Wednesday, Mr Deri denied that he was running for the top position.