Haredim

Israel cannot solve its draft crisis without confronting the status quo - opinion

This systemic self-destructive behavior of Israeli governments, letting one group decide and legislate what is religiously (and therefore civically) acceptable, is the root of today's inequality.

HAREDI MEN clash with police officers and civilians as they block a road during a protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who refused IDF service, on Route 90, on October 18, 2026.
Haredi draft protesters attempt to break into IDF office in Bnei Brak, October 14, 2026.

Two haredi protesters arrested after attempting to break into IDF office in Bnei Brak

A plume of smoke rises during a reported airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital Sana'a, October 9, 2026

Deri issues haredi draft law ultimatum as Houthis threaten Saudi Arabia

 A soldier from the primarily Orthodox and haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Netzah Yehuda Battalion during a swearing-in ceremony at the Western Wall, Jerusalem, June 11, 2025.

Female IDF officer denied entry to haredi military base because of gender, IDF says


A Zionist coalition? Israel’s founders envisioned something broader - opinion

The Declaration of Independence promises equality for all citizens, and calls for a “Zionist coalition” will undermine that vision.

Opposition members of Israel's Knesset leave during a preliminary vote to establish a political commission of inquiry, December 24, 2025; Illustrative.

From 'better to die' to enlistment: Why haredi draft calculus is shifting - analysis

Despite fierce rabbinic opposition, haredi enlistment is rising. The numbers suggest changing incentives may be altering the draft calculus.

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish reserve soldiers of the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade operate in the Gaza Strip on June 26, 2025; Illustrative.

ITIM organization asks High Court to bar draft evaders from Rabbinate exam benefits

ITIM asked the High Court to bar men from using yeshiva study completed without regularized military status to qualify for Rabbinate certification.

The Supreme Court convenes to maintain the freeze on the law limiting enforcement against haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft dodgers, July 28, 2026.

Beyond the haredi draft: What’s really at stake for Israel’s future - opinion

It would be a national mistake if many make one of the most consequential political decisions of their lives based primarily on anger over a single issue, without considering the much broader impact.

 ‘THE HAREDI leadership argues that it is forbidden to draft yeshiva students whose Torah is their profession and that they defend the State of Israel through their studies.’

Grapevine, July 24, 2026: Is Jewish unity a myth?

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG receives the credentials of Nauru Ambassador Lara Erab Daniel in 2025.

Jerusalem cafe became symbol of secular defiance, until Israelis learned it's run by Jews for Jesus

“Everyone accuses us of that,” Ben David, the cafe owner, said about proselytizing. “The Jesus goal is not completely out, but it’s not front and center.”

Ultra-Orthodox protesters outside of the Basimta cafe on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Hundreds of haredim protest outside military prison following draft dodger arrest

The arrested hassidic man had earlier arrived at a draft office to arrange an exemption from service before being sentenced to 20 days in prison, according to the report.

Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from the Gur (Hasidic dynasty) protest outside Military Prison near Kfar Yona, central Israel, against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order, July 20, 2026.

Five Higher Education Council members resign over gender-segregation law

According to Israeli media reports, four of the members submitted a joint resignation letter to President Isaac Herzog and Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who serves as chairman of the council.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Municipality is not 'modesty patrol': Bnei Brak councilman slams sidewalk gender segregation

About a week ago, the Bnei Brak municipality announced an unusual measure to separate men and women on sidewalks in the area surrounding the city’s event halls.

Street sign reading women on one side and men on the other, in the ultra orthodox Jewish town of Bnei Brak, July 15, 2026.

Grapevine: Vexing logistics

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Israeli "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot (3rd-R) and Jerusalem film festival director Roni Mahadav-Levin (2nd-R) attend the opening ceremony of the event in Jerusalem on June 17, 2025.