Haredi news

Ultra-Orthodox party paralyzes Knesset votes to force through military draft exemptions

The most recent proposal advanced is a bill that would halt the arrests of haredi draft evaders, which is set to be debated on Tuesday in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Protesters supporting the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the Israeli military block a road in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, central Israel, in protest against the continued road blockades by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators following the arrest of draft evaders, June 26, 2026.
A haredi man looks on as traffic builds at Hemed Interchange on Highway 1 amid ultra-Orthadox anti-draft protests, June 24, 2026.

Following hours of haredi draft protests, Israeli highways reopen to traffic

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.

Derech eretz lost - Why the proposed Basic Law betrays our sacred covenant - opinion

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025

A-G to High Court: Gov’t has not adopted economic sanctions plan against haredi draft dodgers


Haredim on TV

Recently, there’s been a virtual explosion of TV programs and series highlighting the haredi sector.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.

Netanyahu: Election coming if coalition won't compromise on haredi draft

Ya'acov Litzman said “we have no interest in elections, but we cannot compromise on a significant matter of principle, or maintaining the status of yeshiva students who study full-time.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his ballot for the parliamentary election as his son Yair stands behind him at a polling station in Jerusalem March 17, 2015.

Gov't given three months to pass new haredi enlistment law

Yesh Atid, which backed the government enlistment bill, said there was no reason to wait to pass the law, insisting that it not be changed “by even one letter” before going for its final votes.

Extremist haredi men protest against jail sentences for draft dodgers.

Ultra-Orthodox clash with police in Bnei Brak over arrested draft-dodger

19 haredim were arrested in the latest protest organized by the extremist Jerusalem Faction.

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators block roads in Bnei Brak, August 6, 2018

Study finds widespread history of sexual abuse among formerly Orthodox

“This report supports the anecdotal evidence I’ve seen that indicates a close link between abuse in a religious context and the subsequent rejection of that community."

Haredi men gather in Jerusalem for the funeral of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach

Litzman threatens to leave coalition if haredi draft bill passes

Bill expected to pass late on Monday night, majority of haredi MKs to vote against; Yesh Atid to support govt and vote in favor.

An Israeli soldier of the Ultra-Orthodox brigade takes part in a swearing-in ceremony in Jerusalem.

Enlistment law goes to vote Monday

Zionist Union to turn vote into no-confidence motion

Soldiers from the Nahal Haredi unit, the ultra-Orthodox battalion in the Israel Defense Forces

Young haredim more myopic than modern Orthodox and secular counterparts

"The results of the study indicate the need for cooperation between the health and education systems in formulating strategies to prevent the development of myopia in children."

glasses on the background of the stack of magazines

Ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion gets a new commander

Lt.-Col. Nitai Okashi was commended for stopping Gazan terrorist with his bare hands in 2007.

Lt.-Col. Nitai Okashi will be replacing Lt.-Col. Itamar Deshel as IDF's ultra-Orthodox battalion's new commander

MK vows government will fall if haredi enlistment exemption law not passed

UTJ’s cooperation with the government is based on the agreement to protect the right of yeshiva students not to perform military service.

MK Yaakov Asher