United Torah Judaism

Ultra-Orthodox sages convene on haredi IDF draft bill, withhold official stance

The rabbis reportedly did not reach a decision on the matter; however, they allegedly decided internally to reject the sanctions imposed on draft evaders.

Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter, head of the Gur hassidic dynasty,  seen after a meeting of the Council of Torah Sages regarding the haredi draft exemption bill in Jerusalem, January 7, 2026.
Opposition head Yair Lapid arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court on a petition against the transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, January 8, 2026

Millions transferred to haredi schools without Knesset approval, state admits to court

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protest at the Bar Ilan intersection in Jerusalem on November 6, 2016, following the arrest of a haredi draft-dodger.

Beyond the bus: Addressing hate behind Eisenthal’s death in a Jerusalem riot - editorial

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters gather in Mea She'arim, Jerusalem, to celebrate draft dodgers' release from miiltary prison, November 30, 2025; illustrative.

From yellow badges to ‘extermination ovens’: Toxic rhetoric of haredi draft protests - editorial


High Court to hear two cases blocking haredi education funds amid legal disputes

Supreme Court Justice Yael Willner ordered that hearings in both cases be held by January 8, and instructed the parties to submit preliminary responses up to 24 hours beforehand.

Supreme Court justices preside over a hearing at the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025

High Court freezes NIS 1b. haredi education transfer over recovery concerns

The petition was filed by opposition head and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, together with party lawmakers, against budget transfers approved by the Knesset Finance Committee.

Haredi protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak during a protest denouncing the IDF draft, December 28, 2025.

Despite turbulent week, demand for commission of inquiry, bloc map remain stable - poll

Against the backdrop of the draft law, the establishment of a government commission of inquiry, and the interview by Eli Feldstein on the Qatargate affair, coalition parties maintain their strength.

Knesset members attend a plenum hearing, October 29, 2025; illustrative.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders give haredi factions green light to advance IDF draft bill

The past week has seen violence from within the haredi community from extremists who are against a law that would require army enlistment from members of the community.

 Rabbi Dov Lando seen during a meeting to discuss the drafting of ultra-Orthodox jews to the IDF in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, April 5, 2024.

Jewish family settles discrimination case after gifted school expulsion

A Jewish family reached a settlement with a school in Virginia after their children were expelled amid complaints of persistent antisemitic bullying.

Jewish students at El Camino Real Charter High School walk out to protesting antisemitic incidents at the Los Angeles school on Feb. 27, 2024.

Liberman slams haredi draft-dodger extremists, ultra-Orthodox parties condemn violence

UTJ and Shas denounce violent haredi extremists as tensions rise over a contentious IDF draft bill, prompting political backlash and stalled legislation.

Yisrael Beytenu chairperson Avigdor Liberman denounces the haredi extremists during a Knesset faction press conference, November 17, 2025.

Police boost security for MKs Asher, Gafni over escalating threats amid draft law tension

A group of Haredi Jews protests in front of the home of MK Yaakov Asher in Bnei Brak against the draft law. Due to the escalation, police declared MKs Asher and Gafni at a level four threat.

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protest at the Bar Ilan intersection in Jerusalem

Prosecution moves to hold Roche Israel, former UTJ aides accountable for possible fraud

Three key figures are facing potential criminal charges in an ongoing lobbying investigation.

Yaakov Litzman at the weekly cabinet meeting, March 2020.

WATCH: Haredi demonstrators clash with passersby, throw objects at reporters covering protest

A video of a journalist from N12 having items thrown at her was shared on social media, where two reporters and their camera crew were attacked by protesters.

 Protests against haredi draft in Jerusalem, October 30, 2025.

Eretz Nehederet features Alon Ohel playing piano, pokes fun at Mamdani, UTJ

The highlight of Eretz Nehederet's comedy show was the emotional playing of "Under the Sky" by freed hostage Alon Ohel.

Picture of Alon Ohel playing piano with the cast of cast of Eretz Nederet

Bismuth submits controversial haredi draft law outline in bid for Shas return to gov't

The outline of Bismuth’s draft lays out principles under which 50% of the haredi draft cohort will be enlisted within five years and the exemption age will be set at 26.

Ultra orthodox Jewish reserve soldiers of the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade operate in the Gaza Strip on June 26, 2025.