Ultra-Orthodox

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

Haredi chickens come home to roost - opinion

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

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

 Rain in Bnei Brak

Socioeconomic intervention needed to save haredi periphery towns - opinion


Ultra-Orthodox leaders give haredi factions green light to advance IDF draft bill

The past week has seen violence from within the haredi community from extremists who are against a law that would require army enlistment from members of the community.

 Rabbi Dov Lando seen during a meeting to discuss the drafting of ultra-Orthodox jews to the IDF in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, April 5, 2024.

Liberman slams haredi draft-dodger extremists, ultra-Orthodox parties condemn violence

UTJ and Shas denounce violent haredi extremists as tensions rise over a contentious IDF draft bill, prompting political backlash and stalled legislation.

Yisrael Beytenu chairperson Avigdor Liberman denounces the haredi extremists during a Knesset faction press conference, November 17, 2025.

‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ aliyah: All different kinds of Jews are welcome in Israel - opinion

Will Israel abandon those unable to provide the requisite rabbinical letter? If so, how could Israel claim moral superiority to countries that turned away boatloads of Jews fleeing Nazi Europe?

ALIYAH AND INTEGRATION Minister Ofir Sofer (right) welcomes new immigrants from France at Ben-Gurion Airport last year. As many consider a move to the Jewish homeland, Israel must prepare to receive its sons and daughters, says the writer.

Prosecution moves to hold Roche Israel, former UTJ aides accountable for possible fraud

Three key figures are facing potential criminal charges in an ongoing lobbying investigation.

Yaakov Litzman at the weekly cabinet meeting, March 2020.

Tomer Persico: The evolution of individualism and collective identity in Judaism

Dr. Tomer Persico explores how the biblical idea of humans created in God’s image shaped Western values like individualism and equality.

Dr. Tomer Persico

Israelis feel Trump wields more influence on Israel's security than Netanyahu's government - poll

The nationwide survey also finds broad perception that Israel’s security is a central consideration for Trump, alongside persistent splits over judicial legislation and haredi conscription.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint press conference in the State Dining Room at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, September 29, 2025

Israel won’t be saved from the haredim. It will be saved with them - opinion

The real challenge is not the existence of such a community but the erosion of trust and communication between sectors.

THE STREETS of Bnei Brak: The haredim are not a burden on Israel’s back; they are woven into its social DNA, the writer maintains.

Smotrich threatens to halt coalition voting if reservist tax benefits bill not passed

The bill has been undergoing discussion in the Knesset's Finance Committee, but has not yet been brought for its second and third readings.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset, October 27, 2025.

‘How long will the hypocrisy continue?’: Israeli opposition slams haredi Jerusalem protests

Israeli politicians slammed the Netanyahu government and the haredi "Million Man March" in Jerusalem on Thursday.

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

'We have prayer, we are serving, we are dying': IDF reservists frustrated over haredi draft issue

“My unit has done five rounds. We have lost three guys - three were killed in an ambush last year. We have wounded. You should know that our company of 80 guys, the majority are now religious.”

IDF armored and infantry reserve units in military training in Golan Heights before heading South to the Gaza Strip, October 8, 2023.