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


Israel must halt funding of haredi schools lacking legal standards, court rules

In the opinion sent to Education Minister Yoav Kisch, the Attorney-General’s Office stated that the continued funding of institutions that do not meet statutory obligations “cannot persist.”

 Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara attends the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Isaac Amit as president of the Supreme Court, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem in February 2025.

IDF's haredi Hashmonaim Brigade completes first operational activity in southern Syria

Also on Thursday, soldiers of the IDF's Brigade 636 killed a terrorist who threw stones at them near the village of Luban al-Sharqiyya in the West Bank during an overnight ambush.

Soldiers of the Hashmonaim Brigade complete first operational activity in southern Syria, January 1, 2026.

High Court to hear two cases blocking haredi education funds amid legal disputes

Supreme Court Justice Yael Willner ordered that hearings in both cases be held by January 8, and instructed the parties to submit preliminary responses up to 24 hours beforehand.

Supreme Court justices preside over a hearing at the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025

Petah Tikva declared 'red city' for measles outbreak, six-month-old children to be vaccinated

According to the ministry’s statement, the exceptional step was taken due to the rapid spread of the disease in the city and the makeup of the population.

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

High Court freezes Tel Aviv chief rabbi election, citing flawed consultation process

A High Court order has postponed the Tel Aviv chief rabbi election after judges found procedural shortcomings in how ministry representatives were presented to the city council.

 SUPREME COURT President Isaac Amit presides over a hearing last Tuesday on petitions against the cabinet’s firing of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

Two policemen injured at religious youth protest in Jerusalem marking Ahuvia Sandak's death

The protesters, a group of young right-wing nationalists, took to the streets to mark five years since the death of hilltop youth Ahuvia Sandak.

A police officer's bandaged hand is seen during protests in Jerusalem, December 27, 2025

Between ultra-Orthodox draft and Knesset coalition, Israel's democracy is too complicated - opinion

The composition of our fragile coalition in the Knesset, mirrored in the cabinet, makes governing our already volatile population factions extremely difficult.

Protests against haredi draft begins in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.

Why Israel's draft law will not solve the IDF's manpower problem - opinion

Total victory is not achieved through false faith, but through difficult decisions. It requires serious, painful thinking, especially regarding the immediate term. This draft law does not do that.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews carry a banner in Hebrew that reads, “to prison and not the army,” during a “million man” protest against military conscription, in Jerusalem October 30, 2025.

Israel Hofsheet petitions High Court to freeze haredi national-civic service track

Israel Hofsheet asked the High Court to freeze the national civic service track it says lets haredi men avoid IDF enlistment without a legal basis.

 Ultra orthodox Jews scuffle with police during a protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews outside an IDF Recruitment Center in Jeursalem, November 12, 2025.

Ultra-Orthodox rioters throw stones at bus carrying IDF soldiers during Jerusalem protest

Soldiers tried to help the police disperse the rioters, but were forced to go back inside the bus violently. The police had to use stun grenades to disperse the rioting crowd.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police during a protest following the issuance of a parking ticket on Bar-Ilan Road in Jerusalem, on December 18, 2025.