Ultra-orthodox

After years of barriers, the IDF has carried out a revolution for the Ultra-Orthodox recruit. Dedicated and diverse tracks have been opened and adapted so that recruits do not have to compromise on their identity. The goal is to enlist thousands of young people from this sector every year.

United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf has called for easing detention conditions for ultra-Orthodox deserters arrested for failing to enlist in the IDF. Following a visit to Prison 10, he stated that "they should spend the holidays at home," adding that the detainees "are hungry and not feeling well."

Sources in the party have been working in recent days on dramatic changes to the composition of the list ahead of its submission, sparking anger among rabbis, council members, and representatives. The fear: a quiet move behind the scenes will reignite internal struggles.

Following a series of violent confrontations, the management of the Jerusalem cafe will decide whether to stop operations on Saturdays. The psychological toll is weighing on the management, who desire a quiet routine. Alongside the protests, dozens of customers have arrived every Saturday to support the cafe.

The Deputy President of the Supreme Court, who also serves as Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, has been under increased security in recent days. The Central Elections Committee stated that Sohlberg is secured in accordance with security needs. As early as June, following riots by ultra-Orthodox individuals at his home, the judge was designated as a "threatened person."

Rabbi Moshe Maya, the eldest member of the Shas Council of Torah Sages, is heard in a recording attacking the Prime Minister: "Bibi promised a lot, I won't believe him about anything." According to him, even a commitment to pass an exemption law within 30 days will not be enough - and Shas will not join the government before it is approved.

Police arrested an Ashdod resident driving a stolen vehicle who turned out to be a draft evader. In response, ultra-Orthodox protesters blocked Highway 443 towards Jerusalem.

Upon its establishment, the Ultra-Orthodox Public Party is threatening a lawsuit following blunt accusations regarding its chairman's motives. The party stated that the lawsuit is underway and that any proceeds will be transferred directly to its campaign.

New data from the Jewish People Policy Institute reveals a surprising figure in Israeli society, as one group shows exceptionally high support for bypassing tax reporting and paying in cash without receipts.

Party chairman Moti Leitner attacked the Haredi leadership: "Haredi society is facing an existential threat." The campaign will focus on issues of enlistment, mathematics and English studies, and employment. The list will include Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and Hasidim.

Passengers on their way to the capital encountered severe riots and stone-throwing by the ultra-Orthodox public, while a central street was completely blocked to traffic, causing severe confrontations until the arrival of security forces.

In its first election video, the party presents a family consisting of a soldier and a yeshiva student, in an attempt to appeal to the traditional audience. The presentation of a united front draws criticism due to Shas's central role in promoting the draft exemption, and after it threatened to bring down the government against the backdrop of the crisis.

A Ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth" poll reveals: about 70% of reservists say they will decide their vote based on the conscription issue, and the Likud is currently losing about two-thirds of its supporters in the serving sector. At the same time, in an open and pointed conversation, ten representatives of reserve organizations from the right and left agreed on almost everything - and sent a clear...

Arad Mayor Yair Maayan filed a police complaint against an extremist group that desecrated memorial stickers for fallen IDF soldiers. The individuals covered the tributes with posters opposing a high-tech employment program for Ultra-Orthodox women.

Protesters arrived at the homes of Anat Hoffman and Yochi Rappeport in Haifa and Jerusalem, shouted insults using megaphones, and confronted neighbors. Women of the Wall claim that the police did not arrive at the scene.

Following the July Maariv publication on the possibility of the ultra-Orthodox-right-wing bloc dissolving: an i24NEWS report reveals that Moshe Gafni discussed with rabbis the possibility of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot and wonders if the price of the alliance with the right justifies the harm to yeshiva students.

Chairman of Degel HaTorah, MK Moshe Gafni, attacked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Tuesday, claiming she is acting on matters for which she has no authority. Gafni clarified that yeshiva students will continue to study Torah despite the developments.

Approximately 82,000 young ultra-Orthodox men have been declared draft dodgers or are in the final stages of that process. They account for 81% of all individuals currently evading military service.

The Attorney General has called for an expansion of economic and personal sanctions against ultra-Orthodox individuals liable for military service. The directive follows a high-level meeting with representatives from the IDF, defense, finance, and justice ministries.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in graffiti, littering, and damaging the lock of the cafe, which has been a focal point for protests between ultra-Orthodox and secular individuals over its operation on Saturdays.

Avi Shoshan spoke candidly in an interview, revealing details of his direct conversation with the Prime Minister, while sharply criticizing Deri and Goldknopf over the conscription and evasion law.

One of the most intriguing battles in the Likud primaries is taking place in the Dan-Tel Aviv district. The contest is between Adv. Shlomo Lerner, a reserve soldier, and Elyashiv Rabin, an ultra-Orthodox candidate who relies on the organized enrollment of ultra-Orthodox individuals into the party.

After Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein froze coalition transfers made during the parliamentary recess, the Knesset submitted a formal response. It argues that the Finance Committee meeting was convened legally, in accordance with the Speaker's authority and established parliamentary practice.

Corinne Gideon opens up about family complexity against the backdrop of public turmoil, admitting that some of her husband's family members do not enlist: "Honestly, it bums me out."

Ultra-Orthodox protesters, demonstrating against the arrest of a draft dodger, blocked Highway 4 and caused massive traffic jams. They distributed yellow stars with the word 'Haredi' and compared military service to death in Nazi extermination camps, drawing sharp condemnation from the political establishment.

As in every election campaign, new parties are emerging to seek a platform in the Knesset. One such initiative is the 'Achi' party, which has transitioned from municipal success in Netivot to a national run.

Around 16:00, road blockages are expected in the Bnei Brak area, likely on Highway 4 or Jabotinsky Street, after a Shas MK claimed a yeshiva student was arrested while arriving to testify at Lahav 433.

Naftali Bennett declared that ultra-Orthodox party leaders cannot join his future government due to their opposition to military conscription. He also labeled settler violence as "terror," proposed a plan to combat market monopolies, and warned of the dire situation in northern Israel.

The struggle over opening cafes on Shabbat in Jerusalem reflects a broader conflict over the character of the city and the future of the liberal-democratic camp in Israel, against the backdrop of demographic changes, upcoming elections, and the struggle against the right and the ultra-Orthodox.

Netanyahu is planning a facelift for the Likud ahead of the elections. Following polls indicating that the list and the alliance with the ultra-Orthodox are harming the party, 7 reserved spots will be kept for well-known media figures who will lead the campaign.

Since October 7, many families have been dealing repeatedly with dozens of days of reserve duty, children's fears, and disruption of daily life. Alongside the pride in service, sharp criticism is heard regarding the exemption for the ultra-Orthodox and the support of Religious Zionism for the draft law.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated in Safed and at the Meron junction against the operation of public transport before the end of Shabbat, attempting to delay buses. Police arrived at the scene, alongside secular protesters who sought to prevent the disruption of traffic.

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters are attempting to forcibly close the only cafe on Agrippas Street, while hundreds of residents have arrived to protect the liberal stronghold. Police have reinforced their presence, separating the two sides, though eggs continue to be thrown at patrons. In a capital where weekend leisure options are scarce, this struggle has become an existential battle for the...

From the riots at the 'Maccabi' field in 1931, through the ambush on Teddy Kollek, to the current storm at 'Cafe in the Alley': this is how Jerusalem became an endless battlefield over the character of the Sabbath. A look at the history of confrontations, violence, and quiet agreements.

Police arrested a teenager suspected of throwing feces at the "Ba-Smita" cafe in Jerusalem amid ongoing protests over its operation on Shabbat. The arrest follows a sharp escalation in clashes, during which protesters attempted to force their way into the establishment.

Netanyahu, Katz, and the Likud are trying to wear a state-oriented costume ahead of the elections and change positions on conscription and security issues: after the government's failures, incitement, and draft evasion laws, the public no longer believes them.

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary order freezing budget transfers for ultra-Orthodox education approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, citing procedural flaws.

During a panel discussion at the Molad Institute, Democrats party chairman Yair Golan criticized the public discourse surrounding the ultra-Orthodox draft. He labeled the topic a victim of "cheap populism" and emphasized that the IDF is not prepared to accommodate thousands of recruits requiring special conditions such as gender-segregated training and intensive guidance.

The criticism of the ultra-Orthodox leadership is not superfluous. But whoever seeks to strengthen the state-oriented Israel must identify and strengthen the ultra-Orthodox forces that seek change from within, and cooperate with them.

Chairman of the 'Haredi Tziburi' faction, Moti Leitner, has demanded clear answers from the leaders of Shas, Degel HaTorah, and Agudat Yisrael regarding political representation. The faction has set a deadline of this Friday for a response.

Following a series of disasters that have recently struck the ultra-Orthodox public, the Chief Rabbinate recalls the call of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Gaon Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar, to strengthen awareness of safety rules and to exercise extra caution in every home and institution. The Rabbinate emphasizes that maintaining safety rules is an integral part of the value of the sanctity of life, and...

A stormy confrontation took place in Rafi Reshef's studio between the host and Rabbi Motke Blau, a leader of the ultra-Orthodox anti-conscription protest. They discussed reports regarding Benjamin Netanyahu's private remarks on drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals. Blau stated: "We have no trust in Netanyahu; we will not join any coalition without a law regulating the status of Torah students."

According to the protesters, Hershy Landau is expected to head the "Maalot Tzur" organization following the passing of its founder, Yaakov Farber (of blessed memory). The police deployed large forces and secured Landau's home, after it was agreed with the protest organizers that the demonstrators would not approach the site.

The IDF has recorded a 53% increase in ultra-Orthodox recruitment, rising from 2,811 in 2024 to 4,298 in 2025. This data was presented by the head of the Manpower Planning and Administration Division, Shai Tayeb.

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox students will integrate for the first time into a unique track at a technological academy for service in special units in Aman. The IDF estimates that they will bring a different kind of thinking, one that was missing before October 7. According to a senior IDF official, this is a "step that opens a world that was until now almost closed to the ultra-Orthodox public."

Summer camps for yeshiva students, known as 'camps,' have become popular venues for political panels. During the 'Bein HaZmanim' vacation, students have the rare opportunity to engage directly with Knesset members on pressing issues.

Benjamin Netanyahu is once again making grand election promises, from high-speed trains to conscription laws, in an attempt to woo voters. However, behind these words lies a desire to maintain the exact same coalition that has led the country to its current crisis of trust.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that in the next government, those who do not study Torah will be drafted or face imprisonment. He also announced that the law to cancel the arrest of deserters is off the table.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the temporary arrest law, currently frozen by the Supreme Court, during a closed-door meeting. He stated that the law failed to increase ultra-Orthodox conscription and will not be part of the next government's agenda.

Sexual abuse and harassment in mikvahs remain a painful and silenced issue in the Haredi sector. Victims describe a systemic lack of protection and supervision.