Haredi draft

‘Reaching the finish line’: Controversial haredi draft bill advances for Knesset committee vote

The controversial haredi conscription bill has moved one step closer to a vote in the Knesset after significant progress in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Protests against haredi draft in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen after the vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

Knesset advances 2026 state budget in first reading amid coalition crisis over haredi draft

AN IDF reserve soldier reports for a military drill along the border with Lebanon and Syria.

Any solution but the obvious: Israel can't rely on aliyah to fill IDF manpower shortage - opinion

A PLENUM session at the Knesset.

2026 budget reading puts government at risk, after months of ideological sparring - analysis


Netanyahu convenes emergency meeting as haredi parties threaten to block state budget vote

Both haredi parties have threatened to withhold support for the state budget unless agreements are reached on the draft law to avoid conscription.

 Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023.

IDF chief promotes Hashmonaim Brigade commander to chief adviser on ultra-Orthodox issues

Part of the new position will involve some of the same responsibilities Emunah has had in founding the brigade, specifically tailored to haredim, but his portfolio will likely be widened.

Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade take part in a beret march after completing seven months of basic and advanced training, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Israel's Opposition hits 61 seat majority for first time in months - poll

The opposition had been standing at 60 seats, at the cusp of a majority, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition remained at 50 seats. The Arab parties, meanwhile, stand at 10 seats.

Opposition head Yair Lapid arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court on a petition against the transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, January 8, 2026

IDF to trim reserve duty, could expand mandatory service as soldier shortage deepens

The new plan aims to reduce the number of reserve days for combat soldiers, limiting them to fewer than 60 days per year.

AN IDF reserve soldier reports for a military drill along the border with Lebanon and Syria.

Israel Katz publishes IDF chief's letter warning of manpower shortage amid haredi draft debate

Zamir sent the letter after attacks on the government for failing to push for haredim to draft into the IDF in large numbers.

 Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. March 25, 2025.

Haredi draft crisis: Israel's High Court must now defend its own authority - opinion

It may be that under the present circumstances, the court has no alternative but to act in this way.

Ultra-Orthodox protests erupt across Israel on haredi IDF enlistment day

Two protesters held outside Religious Zionist Party offices amid budget, cost-of-living tension

According to the group, the protesters went to confront faction head Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over rising prices and what they describe as misplaced government spending.

ISRAELI POLITICIAN Bezalel Smotrich is seen before President Donald Trump speaks to the Knesset, on October 13, 2025 in Jerusalem.

Who's pulling the strings? Haredi parties draft bill tactics ahead of Iran war - analysis

As the coming weeks unfold, shifting dynamics to advance the draft bill will likely reveal who is really pulling the strings.

 Shas faction meeting in the Israeli parliament on December 8, 2025.

‘Israel challenged by enemies worldwide, and unity within’

 Yossi Levi, Lt.-Col. (res.) & CEO NAHAL HAREDI at Jpost Miami Summit

Yossi Levi ,Lt. Col. (Res.), CEO NAHAL HAREDI

Lapid, Eisenkot, and Bennett back reservists at Jerusalem draft law protest

"I hope that Knesset receives the message to promote a draft law and not a [draft] evasion law," Eisenkot said.

Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot embrace at draft law protests in Jerusalem on January 15, 2026.