Draft

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

The wording in the proposal emphasizes Torah study as “a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel.”

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.
A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protester argues with a police officer outside the Jerusalem IDF recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Former haredim overlooked in draft debate, underrepresented in workforce, report finds

Protesters supporting the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the Israeli military block a road in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, central Israel, in protest against the continued road blockades by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators following the arrest of draft evaders, June 26, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox party paralyzes Knesset votes to force through military draft exemptions

MKS ATTEND a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on June 16, 2026.

Marathon Knesset meetings set to rapidly advance haredi parties’ contentious Torah study bill


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.

‘Turf him out tomorrow’: Steve Bannon calls to deport Yair Netanyahu to front lines of Iran war

Along with Yair Netanyahu and Barron Trump, the call for the children of world leaders and powerful figures to enlist is not new.

Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a court hearing in the defamation lawsuit filed by former MK Stav Shafir in Tel Aviv, on November 29, 2022.

Ex-PM Bennett slams Likud MKs for not opposing haredi draft bill, breaking coalition discipline

“The reservists are being abandoned because they don’t have a lobby in Likud. The mark of disgrace for abandoning IDF soldiers will be branded on every coalition member,” Bennett said.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, February 17, 2026

IDF overhauls pre-draft medical screening checks during military conscription process with AI

The IDF is overhauling its pre-draft medical screening to streamline the process, remove unnecessary exams, and introduce new tests for better accuracy and efficiency in preparing draft candidates.

Young Israelis arrive to the Israeli army recruitment center at Tel Hashomer, outside of Tel Aviv on March 17, 2020.

Bnei Brak clashes reflect long-building tensions within haredi society, researcher says - interview

An Israel Democracy Institute researcher says the violence reflects long-standing shifts within haredi society and mounting friction over IDF conscription.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.

Haredi draft bill could trigger 'collapse' of Israel's Right in elections, aliyah minister warns

The aliyah minister asserted in December that he would vote against the proposed haredi draft law even at the risk of being dismissed from the government, calling the current outline "shameful.

Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer holds a press conference at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025.

Former hostage Nimrod Cohen announces return to IDF: 'Didn't do enough during my mandatory service'

"I didn't really do my service, the way I see it. I served for ten months until I was kidnapped," Cohen said in an interview for N12's Ulpan Shishi.

Released Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen at the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Daniel Oz, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba.

IDF warns of manpower crisis if ultra-Orthodox Jews not drafted by March

The IDF on Tuesday unveiled new pathways to increase haredi enlistment, aiming to prevent major troop shortages when 2,500 soldiers are released in January 2027.

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector has been protesting over the attempts to draft young haredi men into the military.

How I was nearly drafted into Ukraine's war: 'Post' reporter's account of Ukraine’s manpower crisis

The problem of draft dodging has become part of a broader crisis of manpower, according to locals, as Ukrainian soldiers have been worn down by a long and bloody war.

 Ukrainian military soldiers rest at a position on a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine July 5, 2025

Who's pulling the strings? Haredi parties draft bill tactics ahead of Iran war - analysis

As the coming weeks unfold, shifting dynamics to advance the draft bill will likely reveal who is really pulling the strings.

 Shas faction meeting in the Israeli parliament on December 8, 2025.