Haredi draft

IDF chief Zamir clashes with Netanyahu, Katz over bill exempting haredi draft dodgers from arrests

In a sharply worded letter, Zamir said the haredi exemption law would harm recruitment and create serious security risks for the IDF.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir attends a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, May 10, 2026.
A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protester argues with a police officer outside the Jerusalem IDF recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Almost half of Israelis support tougher sanctions, pressure to promote haredi conscription - poll

The Knesset House Committee votes to advance the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties' bill that seeks to enshrine Torah Study in the country's Basic Law. June 30, 2026.

Voting rights and PACs: Solutions for the haredi draft evasion problem - opinion

HAREDI DEMONSTRATORS protest in Jerusalem on July 23, 2025.

Haredi leadership and Netanyahu are facing the same dilemma - opinion


Laundering human capital: The reckless amnesty bills and their debasement of the Torah - opinion

Under the guise of concern for the world of Torah, two bills are on the table: the Basic Law: Torah Study on the one side, and the Law of Exemption from Arrests on the other. 

Haredi anti-draft protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak denouncing the detention of a draft dodger, February 9, 2026.

Haredi protesters, IDF soldiers clash outside of Military Prison 10 amid draft dodging controversy

The protesters were acting violently, according to the military, and they entered a restricted military area before being forcibly removed. 

(Illustrative) Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest outside the Military Prison near Kfar Yona, central Israel, against the jailing of yeshiva student Shimon Biton for failing to comply with an Israeli military recruitment order, July 8, 2026.

How much will the Torah Students Law cost?

Amidst discussions on the government's betrayal of youth sent to the battlefield, the economic aspect is nearly forgotten: The Torah Students Law is bound to cause immense damage.

PM Netanyahu and MKs Goldknopf and Gafni during the vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study

Record low 28% of Israelis say Trump prioritizes Israel's security, survey finds

Notably, the findings showed that most Jewish Israelis believe the current strain in US-Israel relations is temporary, while Israeli Arabs are more divided on the issue.

US President Donald Trump disembarks from Air Force One upon his arrival at Etimesgut Air Base near Ankara, on July 7, 2026, to attend the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.

The hidden economic danger in the Basic Law on Torah Study

Another significant dimension has received almost no attention: the possibility that the law will alter Israel’s national priorities and damage the growth engines on which the Israeli economy depends

MKS ATTEND a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on June 16, 2026.

Likud MK Kallner opposes criminal arrests for haredi draft evaders, backs economic sanctions

Kallner, a member of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, told 103FM that he does not think arresting yeshiva students is 'the right way.'

An Israeli soldier guard as young men gathered during a demonstration by Ultra-Orthodox Jews against Israel's military draft on June 17, 2026 outside the Beit Lid military base in Kfar Yona, Israel. The conscription of young ultra-Orthodox men into the military, from which they were long exempt.

WATCH: Haredi protesters block entrance to IDF's Central Command HQ in Jerusalem

The haredim, who were protesting against mandatory conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, were seen blocking part of the gate, screaming at soldiers, and not letting them through.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters demonstrate against the arrest of ultra orthodox jewish men who took part in a protest outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg and were later handed over to the military police, outside the Abu Kabir detention facility, June 10, 2026. Ilustrative.

Likud's Yuli Edelstein leaves party after two decades, reportedly will start new right-wing party

Afterward, he is expected to launch a new political party, apparently alongside figures such as Gilad Erdan and Ayelet Shaked.

MK Yuli Edelstein attends a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 9, 2025.

Soldiers are 'most important resource,' IDF chief says as haredi draft bill advances in Knesset

"It is fitting and proper that they [soldiers] be first in the order of priorities to receive the nation’s appreciation through its decisions and allocation of resources," said Zamir.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen on November 3, 2025

When ‘democracy’ becomes a disguise - opinion

The hollowing-out of a word – and the agenda it now carries.

Democrats leader Yair Golan addresses reporters at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 22, 2026