Haredi draft

Bennett warns Netanyahu over draft evasion, IDF manpower issues during Knesset visit

Former PM Naftali Bennett sharply criticized Netanyahu over the IDF manpower crisis, draft evasion, and the outgoing government’s controversial draft bill.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett gives a press conference in the Knesset, Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
THEN-IRANIAN PRESIDENT Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attends a UN General Assembly meeting on rule of law in 2012.

Was Ahmadinejad in the running to be reinstated?

Knesset members are seen speaking with eachother as the coalition’s bill to dissolve the Knesset passed its preliminary reading on May 20, 2026 in the Knesset plenum.

Coalition's bill to dissolve Knesset passes preliminary reading amid crisis over haredi draft bill

Brig.-Gen. Shai Tayeb is seen speaking  as Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discusses advancing the controversial haredi (ultra-Orthodox) draft bill on May 20, 2026.

IDF warns of urgent manpower shortage as haredi draft bill debates resume amid coalition crisis


Two wartime Independence Days, still no consensus on whether Israel won - opinion

As this long war drags on, the emotional landscape shifts, and the lens through which we experience and celebrate our independence changes.

NOTHING FEELS simple or settled.

MK Boaz Bismuth attacked by haredi mob in Bnei Brak, affirms dedication to draft law

Israel Police intervened and removed Bismuth from the scene without injury. 

MK BOAZ Bismuth leads a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, in February 2026.

High Court clash exposes IDF manpower crisis, gov't stalling on haredi draft - editorial

Sunday's High Court hearing highlights the growing IDF manpower strain, as criticism mounts over government delays in enforcing haredi conscription.

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) anti-draft protester holds a banner reading "Even those who do not learn in Yeshiva need to stay Jewish. It's forbidden to commit spiritual suicide in the IDF's crematoriums," during an anti-draft protest at the IDF's Jerusalem recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Gov’t secretary claims chief of staff Zamir backs haredi draft bill at High Court, IDF denies

Despite Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs statement alleging Zamir’s support for Bismuth’s bill, IDF sources have made it clear that they deeply disapprove of the legislation.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs seen at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025

High Court presses government over failure to enforce haredi draft ruling, reserves decision

The case centers on the government’s failure to carry out the November 2025 ruling, which held that the state must formulate an effective enforcement policy against haredi draft evasion.

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protester argues with a police officer outside the Jerusalem IDF recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Police arrest 19 in ultra-Orthodox protests against IDF draft across Israel

Protesters attempted to block vehicles while lying in the road, addressing officers deployed at Tel Hashomer with "hateful chants." 

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators holding a sign reading "Zionism uses Jews as human shields" outside of the IDF's recruitment offices in Jerusalem, April 12, 2026.

'May God kill, destroy the judges,' Yitzhak Yosef denounces ruling restricting Western Wall prayers

Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef criticizes the High Court’s decision restricting Passover prayers at the Western Wall, calling the judges "heretics" and "Shabbat desecrators."

 Shas spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, seen during a weekly lecture at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, June 07, 2025; illustrative.

'Fulfill your responsibility': IDF chief warns of manpower crisis in Passover letter to MKs

Zamir warned that an upcoming decision to shorten mandatory service to 30 months would result in “serious harm and a decline in the IDF’s order of battle,”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visits Central Command soldiers on March 17, 2026.

Bennett draws coalition line: No government with those who do not serve - interview

“The next government will be based on a ‘covenant of those who serve,’" said Bennett. "Anyone who can be with me in a tank in Gaza can be with me in the government.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2026.

Netanyahu, Bismuth to advance controversial haredi draft bill amid IDF manpower shortage

At the start of Operation Roaring Lion, Netanyahu announced that the draft bill would be “set aside” for the sake of national unity and would not be advanced during wartime.

Ultra orthodox Jewish reserve soldiers of the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade operate in the Gaza Strip on June 26, 2025.