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.
Haredi soldiers graduate from IDF's Hashmonaim Brigade, ready for combat training
The Hashmonaim brigade is unique because its members are full-time haredim both inside and outside the army, receiving special measures like at least an hour of daily Talmud study.
With backs to the wall on IDF draft, Haredi MKs slam Edelstein, A-G
Deri and Lapid clash over IDF draft law, sanctions on ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students
IDF soldiers killed due to yeshivas 'neglecting Torah study', former chief rabbi claims
Haredi rabbi calls Likud MK Yuli Edelstein 'traitor' over draft law
'There’s someone in Likud who is a traitor to Israel and a scheming saboteur because he wants to rule and become prime minister,' says Butbul.
IDF to summon over 50,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews in massive push for haredi draft
All 54,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews eligible for military service will be called on to arrive for actual service by July 2026.
Text of Haredi draft law expected in Knesset committee within days
The text is expected to reflect agreements reached between Edelstein and representatives of the Knesset’s haredi parties on June 12.
Court gives prosecution one week to explain lack of draft-dodger sanctions
The larger issue is surrounding the tensions on the lack of a law that would exempt eligible ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men from getting drafted.
A Support Mission for Soldiers’ Wives Across Europe
Philanthropist David Hager launches a support and wellness retreat for the wives of Haredi combat soldiers
Israeli election not expected soon following war with Iran, senior minister tells 'Post'
A minister said that the rumors of an election were to signal haredi parties were not afraid of being voted out amid conflict on the draft bill.
Haredi draft dilemma: Religious exemption from IDF will bring down the government
With a majority of Israelis calling for public change, haredi exemption from the IDF is no longer just a legal debate, but a question of Israel’s survival.
With focus on Iran, has the haredi coalition threat dropped? - analysis
Approximately 24 hours after the Knesset dispersal bill fell, Israel struck Iran. Both Edelstein and Shas MK Aryeh Deri knew about the timing of the attack in advance.
Much ado about nothing: Coalition remains standing as core issues remain unsolved - analysis
The week culminated with an agreement between Shas, Degel Hatorah, Knesset legal advisers, and committees, and an ensuing failed attempt by the opposition to disperse the Knesset.
Knesset dispersal vote uncertain as haredim, Edelstein hold late meeting
The negotiations were held in a series of meetings in the Knesset, and involved, intermittently, representatives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Major change ahead: What the future of the IDF will look like in the shadow of the Gaza war
Although this concept was previously announced, the IDF has now given a timeline and details.
