Haredi draft

As he pushes for ultra-Orthodox draft, Moti Leitner aims to put the Haredi Public on a new path

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Moti Leitner, head of the new Haredi Public Party, wants to encourage mandatory service and introduce core curriculum studies in ultra-Orthodox schools.

MOTI LEITNER, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh and founder of the Haredi Public Party, at the ‘Jerusalem Post’ studio this week. Leitner argues that ‘those who aren’t studying must take responsibility’ by serving in the IDF or doing national service, while preserving full-time Torah study for select few
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with 'Jerusalem Post' Editor in Chief Zvika Klein, August 12, 2026.

The secret Smotrich kept from his wife: Israel was going to war with Iran - interview

Haredi protesters gather to demand the release of a draft dodger, Ahisamach, August 9, 2026.

Haredi suspect found to be draft dodger after being detained over disruptively loud noise - report

HAREDI PROTESTERS block Highway 1, June 1, 2026; Illustrative.

Israel needs a Haredi draft compromise that protects Torah study and security - opinion


A necessary Lebanon deal, undermined by Netanyahu’s delusions - opinion

The Lebanon agreement may be the lesser evil, but Netanyahu’s false claims, erratic monologue, and call for unity raise deeper questions about his fitness to lead.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a press conference in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026; illustrative.

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

The bill seeks to enshrine Torah study in the country’s Basic Law as part of a proposal that critics argue encourages draft evasion and changes the status of yeshiva students who do not serve.

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

Netanyahu's political survival deal with the ultra-Orthodox comes at Israel's expense - opinion

The rotten deal Netanyahu is weaving in public with his non-Zionist partners allows the haredi sector to milk Israel's reserves dry without contributing anything.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu is seen walking past haredi lawmaker Yitzhak Goldknopf, at the Prime Minister’s Office in 2023.

The breaking point: How haredi draft evasion laws are tearing Israel apart - opinion

The worldview of the current haredi political leadership is dangerous to society. It is based on extorting the political system to achieve huge budgets.

Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) Jewish men block Highway 1 near Ein Hemed as they rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with IDF draft orders, on June 24, 2026.

Israel's gov't must not serve interests of ultra-Orthodox party leaders, opposition heads declare

Leader of the Democrats party, Yair Golan, called to “block every shekel that finances draft evasion,” as well as institutions that incite against service.

A convoy of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men rally against the military inscription, on road 1 outside of Jerusalem, June 24, 2026.

Several haredi rabbis protesting women in IDF tank units skip meeting with IDF chief Zamir

While several prominent Hesder Yeshivot rabbis were present, The Jerusalem Post has learned that rabbis from one-third of Hesder Yeshivot who have announced a boycott of the move were not.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen on November 3, 2025

Following hours of haredi draft protests, Israeli highways reopen to traffic

Protests cause heavy traffic on 29 major roads • Social media footage shows protesters and secular citizens in violent physical altercations • MKs Goldknopf, Malkieli attended protests

A haredi man looks on as traffic builds at Hemed Interchange on Highway 1 amid ultra-Orthadox anti-draft protests, June 24, 2026.

Haredi leaders say they will support Knesset dissolution if no progress made on draft bills

According to their statement, Netanyahu "made it clear at the meeting that he is committed to approving the laws and will work to advance them quickly."

Shas chairman MK Arye Deri attends the State Comptroller elections at the plenum of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 3, 2026.

Likud MK Illouz: Amid draft debate, it's time to end the Likud-haredi partnership - interview

"We’re in a place where what they’re asking, in my eyes, can be a danger to the future of the state of Israel,” MK Illouz said to the Post.

MK Dan IIlouz

Shas spiritual leader: Iran deal is punishment for draft dodger arrests, A-G is 'wicked woman'

"Trump turned against us because of the decrees being imposed on Torah scholars and because they are being arrested,” Yosef said.

Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, during a weekly teaching at the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem, on June 7, 2025.