Ultra-Orthodox

Israeli military nearing breaking point without more manpower, IDF warns Knesset committee

The reported gap in platoon commanders comes as the military continues to warn of broader manpower shortages across combat formations.

IDF troops operating in the Wadi Saluki area of southern Lebanon.
Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) Jewish men rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with IDF draft orders, on June 18, 2026; Illustrative.

Arad residents protest alleged Gur Hassidic ‘takeover’ of city amid rising violence

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from the Vizhnitz Hasidic dynasty study Torah outside the Justice Ministry in Jerusalem during a silent protest against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with military recruitment orders, July 1, 2026; Illustrative.

Knesset passes in first reading bill to enshrine Torah study into Basic Law

ULTRA-ORTHODOX Jewish men attend a rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with military recruitment orders, in Bnei Brak, June 29, 2026.

Son of rabbi who verbally attacked IDF chief says father receives no state funding whatsoever


Israel High Court demands government enforce draft law, revoke benefits from evaders

Israel’s High Court has ordered the state to revoke benefits from haredi draft evaders, marking a major step toward enforcing the draft law amid the ongoing manpower shortage.

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.

'God Speaks Yiddish': A humorous peek into Israeli ultra-Orthodoxy

There will be a screening of 'God Speaks Yiddish" on April 29, 7 p.m., at Nefesh B'Nefesh, Azrieli Circle Tower, 10th floor, Tel Aviv. Entrance is free. Advance registration is required.

There will be a special screening of the documentary 'God Speaks Yiddish' by the humorous Tuvia Tenenboim on April 29 at Nefesh B'Nefesh in Tel Aviv.

Bennett doubles down on mandatory haredi enlistment, blames current gov't for lack of IDF soldiers

"Draft evasion is costing the lives of our soldiers," the former prime minister said during an interview on Radio 103FM.

Naftali Bennett at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit Tel Aviv overnight, causing heavy damage, March 1, 2026.

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.

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

The Reservists Party is working toward a Zionist government, with talks underway for a potential alliance with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White ahead of the 2026 elections.

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.

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

Israel Police intervened and removed Bismuth from the scene without injury. 

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

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

Sunday's High Court hearing highlights the growing IDF manpower strain, as criticism mounts over government delays in enforcing haredi conscription.

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.

Police arrest 19 in ultra-Orthodox protests against IDF draft across Israel

Protesters attempted to block vehicles while lying in the road, addressing officers deployed at Tel Hashomer with "hateful chants." 

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators holding a sign reading "Zionism uses Jews as human shields" outside of the IDF's recruitment offices in Jerusalem, April 12, 2026.

'May God kill, destroy the judges,' Yitzhak Yosef denounces ruling restricting Western Wall prayers

Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef criticizes the High Court’s decision restricting Passover prayers at the Western Wall, calling the judges "heretics" and "Shabbat desecrators."

 Shas spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, seen during a weekly lecture at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, June 07, 2025; illustrative.

Iranian missile fragments damage MK Gafni's Bnei Brak house, none injured

Gafni and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call following the incident, Yeshiva World News reported.

Security camera footage showing the impact near MK Moshe Gafni's Bnei Brak residence, April 4, 2026.