Haredi

As he pushes for ultra-Orthodox enlistment, Moshe Leitner aims to put Haredi Public on a new path

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Moti Leitner, head of the new Haredi Public Party, wants to encourage mandatory service and introduce core curriculum studies in ultra-Orthodox schools.

|ByKESHET NEEV
MOTI LEITNER, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh and founder of the Haredi Public Party, at the ‘Jerusalem Post’ studio this week. Leitner argues that ‘those who aren’t studying must take responsibility’ by serving in the IDF or doing national service, while preserving full-time Torah study for select few
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters block Highway 4 over detention of draft dodger, August 12, 2026.

Haredi protest concludes after blocking Highway 4 near Bnei Brak over draft dodger detention

Shas MK Moshe Abutbul described the draft dodger as a "yeshiva guy" who approached the police to assist in an ongoing investigation, demanding that such procedures be changed to avoid arrests.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
MK Dan Illouz attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 28, 2026.

MK Dan Illouz quits Knesset after switch to Yisrael Beytenu, haredi man takes Likud spot

Illouz will be replaced in the Knesset by the next person on Likud's list, Shabtai Katash, a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) member of Lod's Religious Council.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Ultra-Orthodox jewish men block a road during a protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order, in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026; Illustrative.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters attempt to block roads near Jerusalem light rail site

Officers ordered protesters to clear the roadway as demonstrations disrupted traffic near the light rail construction site.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Israeli elections: Ex-mayor of Beit Shemesh Aliza Bloch joins Erdan, Edelstein's right-wing party

Announcing her jump into national politics, the former mayor expressed her ambition to become the next education minister.

AUGUST 10, 2026ByNACHUM PERRY
Beit Shemesh mayor and Mayoral candidate Aliza Bloch seen during the second round of Municipal Elections, in Beit Shemesh, March 10, 2024.

Haredi suspect found to be draft dodger after being detained over disruptively loud noise - report

The suspect was released approximately half an hour later, before the Military Police could arrive, an organization that aids haredi draft dodgers stated.

AUGUST 9, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
Haredi protesters gather to demand the release of a draft dodger, Ahisamach, August 9, 2026.

North faces haredi protest over Shabbat buses, anti-government protests to continue into night

According to Maariv, the areas expected to face protesters include Guma Junction, Kibbutz Eilon, Afula, Kabri, Nahariya, Tzemach, Rosh Pina, and Karmiel.

AUGUST 8, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against the drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem, January 11, 2026; illustrative.

Gerrer Rebbe, anti-Zionist Satmar billionaire discussed ICJ action against Israel over haredi draft

In footage released by Channel 13, another participant in the meeting, Emet LeYaakov chairman Israel Gafner, can be heard comparing Israel to North Korea.

AUGUST 7, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
Gur Grand Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter seen after a meeting of the Council of Torah Sages regarding the Haredi draft exemption bill in Jerusalem, January 7, 2026.

Israel needs a Haredi draft compromise that protects Torah study and security - opinion

Change will come when Israel’s leadership recognizes that protecting full-time Torah study and strengthening national security are not mutually exclusive goals.

AUGUST 6, 2026ByELI PALEY / THE MEDIA LINE
HAREDI PROTESTERS block Highway 1, June 1, 2026; Illustrative.

'It was a ticking bomb': Inside Israel's most uncomfortable dialogue

A haredi journalist, a Palestinian civic leader from Nazareth and a religious-Zionist philosopher describe what happened when TEMA put them in the same room.

AUGUST 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
Palestinian and Israeli flags overlook Dome of Rock and Western Wall

'Traitor to the Jewish people': Haredim protest against Ofer Winter after enlistment conference

Winter has frequently appeared at conferences and public events as he considers entering politics ahead of the upcoming elections.

AUGUST 4, 2026ByAVI SOLOMON
A protester shouts at former IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter during a demonstration against an IDF recruitment conference for the Haredi community in Jerusalem, August 4, 2026.

Knesset panel approves budget transfer of NIS 270 million to haredi education during recess

The committee approved a total of approximately NIS 1 billion in budget allocations for the Education Ministry, the Settlement and National Missions Ministry, and the Religious Services Ministry.

AUGUST 4, 2026ByKESHET NEEV, SARAH BEN-NUN
Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky leads a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, August 4, 2026.

Exhibition of ultra-Orthodox military draft cartoons vandalized ahead of Animix Festival

A young man wearing a kippah confronted organizers and Tel Aviv Cinematheque CEO Tomer Cohen. They said he tore down and damaged parts of the exhibition before attempting to flee.

AUGUST 4, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
Cartoon showing Moses saying, "Don't they teach this commandment at yeshivas?" and holding a tablet that says, "Thou shalt not vandalize cartoons," created in response to the incident.

IDF Atidim launches first dedicated engineering track for haredi, minority students

Students will earn practical engineering diplomas before enlistment, serve in leading Military Intelligence technology units, and complete full engineering degrees during their military service.

AUGUST 4, 2026ByAMIR BOHBOT
The students will be integrated into core technological units in the Military Intelligence Directorate and the IDF in general. Program opening ceremony via Walla.