United Torah Judaism

Ultra-Orthodox party paralyzes Knesset votes to force through military draft exemptions

The most recent proposal advanced is a bill that would halt the arrests of haredi draft evaders, which is set to be debated on Tuesday in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Protesters supporting the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the Israeli military block a road in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, central Israel, in protest against the continued road blockades by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators following the arrest of draft evaders, June 26, 2026.
MK Yitzhak Pindrus speaks during a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, June 3, 2026.

'Start with Lazimi': Haredi lawmaker suggests opposition MK should be shot for protesting

MKS ATTEND a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on June 16, 2026.

Marathon Knesset meetings set to rapidly advance haredi parties’ contentious Torah study bill

A convoy of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men rally against the military inscription, on road 1 outside of Jerusalem, June 24, 2026.

Israel's gov't must not serve interests of ultra-Orthodox party leaders, opposition heads declare


Otzma Yehudit and haredi parties negotiating to pass series of controversial measures

Wheeling and dealing abound as Knesset wraps up summer session.

 Itamar Ben-Gvir gestures following the announcement of exit polls at his party headquarters in Jerusalem.

Right-wing voters already marking Ben-Gvir as Netanyahu's potential successor - poll

In a post-Netanyahu era, Itamar Ben-Gvir leads right-wing candidate support. The National Camp and Likud see minor seat changes. Survey includes 500 respondents.

(L-R) Benjamin Netanyahu; Itamar Ben-Gvir

Controversy over what Deputy IDF chief Baram told defense committee about Haredi draft

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to postpone the issue to September, concerned that the Haredim could bring the government down over their funds being frozen.

 Incoming IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram gives remarks at his inauguration ceremony, October 31, 2022.

Approximately 20 private-haredi schools are planning to switch to the state-haredi education system

Several haredi groups tried to reach a compromise with the help of Yesh Atid MK Moshe Tur-Paz but were blocked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shas.

 HAREDI MEN learn at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim, Sept. 13, 2023.

'Holy Torah will prevail': Haredi lawmakers, ministers rage at Israel's High Court

Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition Minister Meir Porush said the ruling is "leading to two states" of religious and secular Jews.

 (L-R) Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition Minister Meir Porush; Shas leader Arye Deri

Haredi parties Shas and UTJ announce support for hostage deal

Both of the Knesset's haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, have expressed support for the hostage deal proposed by US President Joe Biden.

 MK ARYE DERI leads a parliamentary faction meeting of his Shas party, in the Knesset, last month.

Ben-Gvir threatens coalition after spat with haredi parties

The seemingly inconsequential spat between the two parties touched on simmering political tensions  on additional issues such as the haredi exemption from IDF service.

 Itamar Ben Gvir

Likud regains some ground, Gantz maintains lead in new poll

On opposite sides of the political spectrum, both Religious Zionism and the Labor Party have slipped beneath the minimum threshold to enter the Knesset. 

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cabinet minister Benny Gantz during a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv , Israel , 28 October 2023.

Will Israel's government collapse due to the IDF haredi draft crisis? - analysis

With Netanyahu famous for pushing off decisions, expect Israel to try to reach an agreement with the bare minimum of haredi commitment.

 Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, leader of United Torah Judaism, arrives for a cabinet meeting together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel could permit sale of wine in Israel after 11 p.m. on Thursdays

The new legislation will ease Shabbat and holiday preparations for consumers, particularly those who are busy working and studying.

THE KNESSET Finance Committee’s incoming chairman, United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni, presents an anti-economic bill that challenges the capitalist zeal of incoming finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.