Ultra-Orthodox

High Court clash exposes IDF manpower crisis, gov't stalling on haredi draft - editorial

Sunday's High Court hearing highlights the growing IDF manpower strain, as criticism mounts over government delays in enforcing haredi conscription.

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) anti-draft protester holds a banner reading "Even those who do not learn in Yeshiva need to stay Jewish. It's forbidden to commit spiritual suicide in the IDF's crematoriums," during an anti-draft protest at the IDF's Jerusalem recruitment center, April 12, 2026.
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators holding a sign reading "Zionism uses Jews as human shields" outside of the IDF's recruitment offices in Jerusalem, April 12, 2026.

Police arrest 19 in ultra-Orthodox protests against IDF draft across Israel

 Shas spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, seen during a weekly lecture at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, June 07, 2025; illustrative.

'May God kill, destroy the judges,' Yitzhak Yosef denounces ruling restricting Western Wall prayers

Security camera footage showing the impact near MK Moshe Gafni's Bnei Brak residence, April 4, 2026.

Iranian missile fragments damage MK Gafni's Bnei Brak house, none injured


Netanyahu's political opposition must present clear policies - opinion

Israel’s opposition unites against Netanyahu, but lacks policies to present a clear alternative government.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Haredi parties accuse Knesset foreign affairs committee legal adviser of stalling draft bill

According to senior haredi party figures quoted by Maariv, some of Frenkel-Shor’s conditions are not purely legal in nature but reflect “an ideological approach.”

MK Boaz Bismuth seen with haredi MKs and Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer in the Knesset, Jerusalem, January 14, 2026.

Tearing Israel apart: Jew-on-Jew violence in Bnei Brak is unacceptable - opinion

Two female soldiers were attacked in Bnei Brak; if we believe in Torah and unity, Jew-on-Jew violence can never be tolerated.

Ultra-Orthodox rioters clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026.

Study shows how Israel's economy funnels money to ultra-Orthodox families through benefit programs

The study, titled "On Taxes and Wonders," mapped, for the first time comprehensively, all that Israeli citizens give to the state and all that they receive from it.

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector has been protesting over the attempts to draft young haredi men into the military.

Ultra-Orthodox rioters to remain in custody after chasing female IDF soldiers, clashing with police

The suspects' arrests were extended until Wednesday, and one additional suspect, aged 12, was granted conditional release, the statement added. 

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Bnei Brak clashes reflect long-building tensions within haredi society, researcher says - interview

An Israel Democracy Institute researcher says the violence reflects long-standing shifts within haredi society and mounting friction over IDF conscription.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Haredi chickens come home to roost - opinion

This catastrophic situation in Israel is the fault of the haredi leadership.

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) woman is seen physically accosting two female Israeli police officers in Bnei Brak, on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

WATCH: Israel Police rescue two female IDF soldiers chased by ultra-Orthodox mob in Bnei Brak

Over 20 arrested as haredi parties condemn violence, stress it does not reflect the broader haredi community.

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mob flips police car while chasing female soldiers in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026.

Socioeconomic intervention needed to save haredi periphery towns - opinion

Haredi women in the periphery are more educated, with increased matriculation certificates or academic degrees: 41% vs 34% in the center. Geography itself has a tangible effect on haredi lifestyles.

 Rain in Bnei Brak

The Book of Ruth: Esty Shushan, activist for haredi women, tells a different story - review

She realizes that the film, which she wrote more than a decade ago, will be seen by a largely secular audience, although she said that quite a few in the ultra-Orthodox world will likely see it too.

Israeli Esty Shushan, founder of "Nivcharot", movement to encourage haredi women to get involved in public life, gives an interview to AFP in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva on January 30, 2019