Ultra-Orthodox

Former PM Bennett backs civil marriage, public transport on Shabbat

Naftali Bennett’s remarks in favor of civil marriage and public transport on Shabbat draw praise from left-wing figures but face sharp criticism from haredi parties.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett at a conference in Jerusalem, February 17, 2026; illustrative.
Yoaz Hendel, head of the Reservists’ Party, speaks during the party’s launch event ahead of the 2026 general elections, at Kibbutz Ma'ale HaHamisha near Jerusalem, November 19, 2025.

Reservists Party vows to form Zionist government, discusses potential alliance with Gantz

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

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

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.

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


WATCH: Israel Police rescue two female IDF soldiers chased by ultra-Orthodox mob in Bnei Brak

Over 20 arrested as haredi parties condemn violence, stress it does not reflect the broader haredi community.

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mob flips police car while chasing female soldiers in Bnei Brak, February 15, 2026.

Socioeconomic intervention needed to save haredi periphery towns - opinion

Haredi women in the periphery are more educated, with increased matriculation certificates or academic degrees: 41% vs 34% in the center. Geography itself has a tangible effect on haredi lifestyles.

 Rain in Bnei Brak

The Book of Ruth: Esty Shushan, activist for haredi women, tells a different story - review

She realizes that the film, which she wrote more than a decade ago, will be seen by a largely secular audience, although she said that quite a few in the ultra-Orthodox world will likely see it too.

Israeli Esty Shushan, founder of "Nivcharot", movement to encourage haredi women to get involved in public life, gives an interview to AFP in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva on January 30, 2019

Why Jerusalem’s last-place quality of life ranking doesn’t tell the full story - opinion

A new quality of life report puts Jerusalem last, yet cranes, jobs, housing, and transit projects point to a great future.

Jerusalem is in the midst of an unprecedented development boom.

WATCH: Haredim block roads near Tel Hashomer in protest of IDF draft, deemed unlawful by police

N12 reported that the protests arose because around 80 haredim are scheduled to enlist in combat support roles.

IDF GUARDS outside the recruitment center in Jerusalem as haredim protest the draft, February 4, 2026.

Israelis divided on joining US pre-emptive strike on Iran, ending US military aid - IDI poll

Israelis are divided on Iran, US military aid, and Netanyahu’s role in Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace, according to a new Israel Democracy Institute survey.

Damage in the aftermath of an Iranian ballistic missile hitting a building in Bat Yam, June 29, 2025; illustrative.

IDF warns of manpower crisis if ultra-Orthodox Jews not drafted by March

The IDF on Tuesday unveiled new pathways to increase haredi enlistment, aiming to prevent major troop shortages when 2,500 soldiers are released in January 2027.

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector has been protesting over the attempts to draft young haredi men into the military.

A-G Baharav-Miara says gov’t is violating ruling on haredi conscription as enforcement plan stalls

Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara's comments at the High Court of Justice came as the government has failed to adopt effective measures for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara at a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament on September 30, 2025.

State to High Court: Education data on haredi core studies incomplete, disputes A-G’s framing

At the January hearing, the High Court ordered the state to submit all documents in its possession relating to core-curriculum instruction in the networks.

 HAREDI YESHIVA students

Jerusalem daycare tragedy: Why make the story worse than it is? - opinion

We have many problems to solve in Israel, but we can’t afford to be blindsided by our own prejudices or by those of persons seeking any excuse to demonize our country.

ISRAEL’S VALIANT rescue services quickly removed the other 52 babies.