Haredi draft

Only clear rules, command chain, can let IDF avoid internal conflict due to religion - editorial

The IDF's reality, where it wants both women and religious men serving together, demands clear rules, common sense, and commanders who know the soldiers they lead.

|ByJPOST EDITORIAL
IDF soldiers participate in the Arrowhead agility competition on July 8, 2026.
A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protester argues with a police officer outside the Jerusalem IDF recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Givati situation must teach IDF it has no time for diversions by religion, egalitarianism - comment

As the IDF incorporates more religious soldiers and more women, it will need to demonstrate common sense, sensitivity, and flexibility.

|ByHERB KEINON
Haredi demonstration in front of the military recruitment office in Jerusalem, April 12, with a sign that reads: ‘We will die and not enlist.’PremiumPremium

Netanyahu's haredi bargain: A lifeline that became a liability - analysis

The haredi draft deal was meant to secure Netanyahu’s political future, but it may be what unravels his coalition’s electoral prospects

|BySHIR PERETS
Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) protesters outside of Tel Hashomer IDF recruitment center in central Israel, August 31, 2026.

WATCH: Anti-draft protesters try to block roads into Tel Hashomer base, prevent haredi enlistment

Ya'akov Dori Street in Kiryat Ono, from Levi Eshkol Street to Shlomo Hamelech, is blocked in both directions, Israel Police said, urging drivers to take alternate routes.

|ByAVI ASHKENAZI , MIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Grapevine July 17, 2026: Birds of a feather

Movers and shakers of Israeli society.

JULY 17, 2026ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
MK Yisrael Eichler seen at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on January 19, 2026.

Bill to dissolve Knesset passes unanimously, officially beginning election recess

"We are completing a four year term, we have passed nine budgets, hundreds of laws," said Coalition whip Ofir Katz ahead of the bill's passing.

JULY 17, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 16, 2026.

High Court names nine-justice panel to hear petitions on law halting arrest of haredi draft dodgers

The dispute comes after a succession of increasingly forceful High Court judgments on inequality in military service and the government’s failure to enforce the existing draft law.

JULY 16, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
President of the Supreme Court Isaac Amit arrives for a hearing on petitions alleging flaws in the legislative process of the Communications Bill at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, July 13, 2026.

Are there other lessons from October 7? - opinion

The October 7 massacre fell on 22 Tishrei – Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, two days that signify the highest joy: one completing the festival of Sukkot, the other our rejoicing in the Torah itself

JULY 16, 2026ByELIYAHU HADDAD
Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi delivers a torah lesson at Ateret Yisrael Yeshiva in Jerusalem, November 19, 2019.

The haredi draft question should be decided by voters, not outgoing lawmakers - editorial

Israelis, regardless of their political affiliation, cannot reasonably be expected to support legislation that even the prime minister could not bring himself to vote for.

JULY 16, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL
Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with police during a protest against the drafting of haredi jews, outside an IDF Recruitment Center in Jeursalem, November 12, 2025

Former deputy FM Haskel announces launch of new Israel First political party

The announcement came one day after Haskel resigned from her position as deputy foreign minister over the passing of controversial legislation that froze the arrests of haredi draft evaders.

JULY 15, 2026ByGOLDIE KATZ
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel speaks to the media as she announces her resignation as Deputy Foreign Minister at the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 14, 2026.

High Court freezes Knesset law stopping arrests of haredi military draft evaders

The court issued a conditional order hours after the Knesset approved the legislation, citing longstanding rulings on yeshiva conscription and concerns over selective enforcement.

JULY 15, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN, KESHET NEEV
Protests against haredi draft in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters block roads demanding end to IDF recruitment

Some protesters were seen holding signs asking US President Donald Trump to "save" the haredis from being recruited.

JULY 15, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Haredi protesters holding signs asking US President Donald Trump to save them from being drafted, July 15, 2026.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has a duty to warn the government about draft evasion - editorial

Active-duty generals, as a rule, should stay out of politics, but every rule has its exception.

JULY 15, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL
Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Eyal Zamir, arrives to attend a wreath laying ceremony at Warsaw Ghetto Square at Yad Vashem on April 14, 2026 in Jerusalem, Israel.

Knesset Finance Committee considers NIS 393 million transfer to Prime Minister's Office

MK Vladimir Beliak of the Together party, the opposition’s coordinator on the committee, spoke with Anat Davidov on 103FM’s Where's the Money program and addressed the budget additions being sought.

JULY 14, 2026By103FM
MK Vladimir Beliak reacts during a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting and votes on parts of the judicial reform, at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on July 19, 2023.