Haredi

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.
ULTRA-ORTHODOX Jewish men attend a rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with military recruitment orders, in Bnei Brak, June 29, 2026.

Son of rabbi who verbally attacked IDF chief says father receives no state funding whatsoever

The Knesset House Committee votes to advance the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties' bill that seeks to enshrine Torah Study in the country's Basic Law. June 30, 2026.

Knesset panel advances ultra-Orthodox bill to enshrine Torah study in Basic Law

ULTRA-ORTHODOX Jewish men attend a rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with military recruitment orders, in Bnei Brak, June 29, 2026.

'A national disgrace': Netanyahu, MKs decry rabbi who hurled abuse at Zamir at anti-draft rally


Bill to dissolve Knesset passes first reading, advancing process to move up elections

The coalition's bill to dissolve the Knesset passed, with zero lawmakers voting against the resolution.

Israeli politicians react following a vote to dissolve the Knesset before the end of its term, in the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters hold anti-draft protests, block train tracks near airport

Additionally, at least three police officers were injured during the protests, Israel Police said following the event's conclusion.

HAREDI PROTESTERS block Highway 1, June 1, 2026.

'Black flag over democracy': Politicians slam haredi break in to Beit Shemesh police station

According to Democrats Party head Yair Golan, the riot was a "practical translation" of the contentious haredi draft law. 

Screengrab of video of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) riot outside of the Beit Shemesh police station, June 1, 2026.

Haredi protesters break into Beit Shemesh police station in overnight riot, eight arrested

The riot occured following the arrest of an alleged draft dodger.

Ultra-Orthodox protests erupt across Israel on haredi IDF enlistment day; Illustrative.

Haredim making headway in hi-tech: Projects to introduce ultra-Orthodox to workforce see success

According to Moshe Friedman, co-founder and CEO of Kama Tech, there are some 15,000 haredim currently employed in Israel’s hi-tech industries.

Avratech director Aaron Safrai (right) is pictured with ultra-Orthodox Jewish students learning computer programming at Avratech's Jerusalem offices

Haredi draft debate: Equality of burden, or selective obligation? - opinion

Israel should not invoke citizenship when speaking about haredim.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews carry a banner in Hebrew that reads, “to prison and not the army,” during a “million man” protest against military conscription, in Jerusalem October 30, 2025.

Editor's Notes: Kibbutzim are showing Israelis how to bridge the religious divide

“We do not have the privilege of refusing to work together, even when we disagree. If we learn how to do that, we will do good for all of Israeli society," a Kibbutz leader told me.

A SIGN points to Kibbutz Kissufim, and a yellow car is a reminder of the struggle to return the hostages.

IDF preparing to arrest haredi draft dodgers as early as next week - report

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu commended the IDF's haredi Hasmonean Brigade for simultaneously learning Torah and serving, as the IDF prepares to arrest those avoiding military service.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews walk through a forest near the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, northern Israel, attempting to reach the Lag BaOmer celebrations after the site was closed by police following Home Front Command restrictions, May 5, 2026.

WATCH: Haredi protesters shout 'kill all Jews,' throw stones at police attempting to restore order

The protests follow the ongoing arrests of draft dodgers and the contentious draft bill.

ULTRA-ORTHODOX Jewish men block a road during a protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order in Bnei Brak, April 28, 2026.

Knesset advances ultra-Orthodox daycare subsidy bill after haredi threat to back Oct. 7 probe

The legislation was sponsored by MK Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) and a group of additional haredi lawmakers.

A plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 27, 2026.