Haredi draft

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

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

IDF clashes with police over Bnei Brak incident, says attacked soldiers did not distribute leaflets

Haredi anti-draft protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak denouncing the detention of a draft dodger, February 9, 2026.

Haredi protests block Jerusalem entrance, Highway 38


‘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.

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

The Degel Hatorah faction within United Torah Judaism received a green light from spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando to vote in favor of the state budget, Lando's office said.

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.

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

The Israeli government and the army should never look to aliyah and the military service of young olim as a solution to a numerical or political problem.

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

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

If the vote is postponed, or if the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties choose not to support it and it falls, then for all intents and purposes the government will fall with it.

A PLENUM session at the Knesset.

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