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.
As Israel grieves, Netanyahu puts coalition deals ahead of national sacrifice - editorial
The IDF does not belong to one segment of society. The physical defense of the state cannot rest on the shoulders of some while others stand apart and watch.
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After years of delay tactics and political bartering, the ultra‑Orthodox draft crisis has burst its cage, threatening to topple the government amid war.
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“Our hearts are with his family during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Shaul and Hindi, his sister, and his two brothers,” the Efrat Regional Council said.
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The Sephardi haredi party Shas remained mum on Monday about whether or not it would join UTJ.
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Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported the claim earlier on Sunday evening, but it was later denied by a spokesperson from Deri's office.
Haredim cannot say God is theirs if they cut themselves off from Israel - opinion
The anathema we have built into us Jews of a poresh min hatzibbur, “one who disconnects himself or herself from the community,” is what will lead to our disconnecting from the haredi public.
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.
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Aryeh Deri responded to the Attorney-General's discussion on the High Court of Justice consideration over the draft law and the plan to toughen sanctions against yeshiva students who don't enlist.
IDF soldiers killed due to yeshivas 'neglecting Torah study', former chief rabbi claims
Yitzhak Yosef condoled the families of the five soldiers killed in Gaza's Beit Hanun in an open letter, calling for increased Torah study, implicitly denouncing haredi draft attempts.
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.
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All 54,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews eligible for military service will be called on to arrive for actual service by July 2026.
