Thousands of Israelis gathers in Beit Shemesh to protest against ultra-Orthodox Jewish extremism. The protests came after a young girl stated she had faced harassment while on her way to school. The protests were also over concern that some ultra-Orthodox groups in the city were trying to segregate men and women. Protesters also had the support of Israel's president who said that the protests were necessary to defend the majority of Israelis against a minority trying to change the country.

Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, held out an olive branch of peace to the Palestinians promising land, release of prisoners, reduction in check points, and other concessions. However Palestinian extremists in Gaza fired 2 rockets into Israel.