Haredi draft
The issue of haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) in Israel not serving in the IDF has been a contentious topic for decades.
In the current status quo established in the early days of the State of Israel, haredi yeshiva students have an exemption from serving in the IDF or partaking in Sherut Leumi (national service). However, this has caused many others in Israel to feel there is an unfair distribution of the burden of serving the country. Coupled with the low employment rates for haredim in Israel, and this has led to widespread tension against ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
The courts have ruled that the current exemption for haredim not to serve in the army is illegal and efforts to resolve the issue are still ongoing.
Netanyahu must decide if he's a leader or follower as his government loses Israel's trust - opinion
Why then does Netanyahu choose to turn his back on the will of the majority, thereby eroding public trust in him and his government?
Understanding the ultra-Orthodox: Is haredim in the army a pipe dream or within reach?
Goldknopf: Haredim will leave Israel if 'there is no choice' in IDF enlistment
Likud seeks inquiry into foreign funding of Israeli protests
'Enlistment=Genocide': Haredi protesters assault police in Jerusalem, block city entrance
Hundreds of protestors blocked the roads near Chords Bridge with signs saying "Death before conscription," and "War on the draft law."
Bismuth elected new Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee head
Netanyahu announced that MK Hanoch Milwidsky will become ‘temporary’ Finance Committee head.
New haredi draft proposal by reservist NGOs gains traction on Knesset, still no clear framework
According to the proposal, all haredi men will receive draft summons and be required to serve in the IDF, although the outline does not explain why it would be limited to men.
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's attacks on Edelstein ignore his sacrifices for Judaism - opinion
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef seems to ignore who Yuli Edelstein really is: someone who physically risked his life for the observance of Torah and mitzvot.
How the Iran war impacted Israel's haredi conscription debate - opinion
The war with Iran has created ripples in Israel's domestic social and political fabric, particularly regarding the debate over ultra-Orthodox military service.
Netanyahu's Likud to remove Edelstein from key committee over haredi draft fallout
A replacement for Edelstein on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee may be willing to make concessions that Edelstein was not willing to make, thus allowing the bill to proceed.
With the haredi parties out of gov't, future of haredi draft bill unclear - analysis
The bill likely hinges on whether or not Edelstein remains head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
'We failed, made a mistake' on judicial reform, haredi draft bill deal, UTJ's Goldknopf says
UTJ was told to support the judicial reform as it would allow for a "basic law of Torah study," and another law as an override clause, Yitzhak Goldknopf claimed in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat.
Will the Knesset recess open a window for a deal? Netanyahu’s political breathing room - analysis
The Knesset's upcoming recess will potentially give PM Benjamin Netanyahu time to broker a hostage deal and figure out a solution to the issue of the haredi draft law.
Haredi exit from gov't pushes Netanyahu forward in election polls, survey finds
In this scenario, neither bloc has enough seats to form a government. The current coalition holds 53 seats, while the opposition, plus Bennett, totals 57.
Netanyahu must take the lead on the haredi draft issue - opinion
Instead of showing leadership, Netanyahu spent Monday night pacing the Knesset, pleading with United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni to retract his resignation.
