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.
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
A Support Mission for Soldiers’ Wives Across Europe
Israeli election not expected soon following war with Iran, senior minister tells 'Post'
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.
Over 50,000 IDF draft orders to ultra-Orthodox Jews scheduled for July
The announcement means that the IDF will be summoning the entire "pool" of eligible haredi men, in addition to the 24,000 haredim who already received initial draft orders since July 2024.
Israeli gov't rolls out new program for 3,000 haredi conscripts
Despite the initiative, many critics believe negative incentives are still needed to get haredim to serve.
Prove Israel's progressiveness by preventing violent acts - editorial
The warning signs are no longer warnings - they are violent actions. Words can kill.
Road to elections? Shas, Degel Hatorah will vote to dissolve Knesset, parties say
"The ultra-Orthodox public feels persecuted by the Likud and [MK Yuli] Edelstein," the Shas spokesperson said.
Yossi Cohen's party could struggle to pass electoral threshold, new poll shows
A new poll reveals that Cohen would only receive four mandates, three of which would come from the Change Bloc.
The haredi draft issue: A ticking time bomb for Israel's future - editorial
What’s been happening is that the same core domestic issue has been shoring up, threatening to break up nearly every coalition: religion and state.
