Ultra-Orthodox

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

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

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.

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

Yaakov Litzman at the weekly cabinet meeting, March 2020.

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


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.

'Poking a finger in whole country’s eye': Haredi anti-draft protests frustrate Jerusalemites

Many Israelis felt haredim should have to draft, but adaptations should be made to allow them to continue to live an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle while in the army.

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

Haredi teen killed in fall at Jerusalem construction site during ultra-Orthodox draft protest

Dozens of haredi protesters were recorded climbing a crane and multiple high-rise construction sites and are now refusing to come down.

Haredi teens summit a building in Jerusalem for the Million Man March on October 30, 2025.

Hostages Forum sends legal warning to Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo over abuse of symbols

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sends a legal warning to a haredi yeshiva for misusing its symbols.

A woman reacts as families of Israeli hostages and supporters protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, marking the two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from Gaza, in Jerusalem, October 7, 2025

Deri asks Ben-Gvir to intervene as Israel Railways closes Jerusalem station ahead of mass protests

"This is an illegitimate decision that will prevent a huge public from reaching the rally and praying," Shas leader Arye Deri said.

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

Road closures, canceled trains: Mass ultra-Orthodox protests shut down Jerusalem's public transport

Road closures began at noon, and Israel Police and Netvei Israel have called on the public to avoid driving to the entrance area to Jerusalem throughout the day.

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