Ultra-Orthodox

Haredi conscription debate threatens long-standing Israeli coalitions - opinion

Ultra-Orthodox parties face mounting political backlash as Israel’s war strains the reserve system and coalition stability.

MAY 17, 2026|ByORI WERTMAN

Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu speaks alongside former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in Budapest last year. Orban transformed Hungary into a quasi-autocracy, while Netanyahu has not achieved the same in Israel, the writer says.

Are new Knesset proposals pushing Israel toward Hungary-style governance? - opinion

Concerns mount that Israel’s new legislation could reshape democracy in a Hungary-like direction.

MAY 16, 2026|ByPAUL GROSS

A man wearing a mask depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds images of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a protest in Tel Aviv, last month. When both sides view the election in such existential terms, restraint disappears, the writer warns.

Israel’s upcoming election season could become its ugliest yet - opinion

In the end, Israelis will survive this election. But the real question remains unanswered: What kind of society will be here once it is over?

MAY 15, 2026|ByYAAKOV KATZ

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order outside the home of Military Police commander Brig. Gen. Yuval Yamin in Ashkelon, May 14, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters attempt to invade military police chief's home

Groups of ultra-Orthodox men have upped their protests amid increasing tensions regarding a haredi draft bill in the Knesset.

MAY 14, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, ARIELLA ROITMAN

'God Speaks Yiddish': A humorous peek into Israeli ultra-Orthodoxy

There will be a screening of 'God Speaks Yiddish" on April 29, 7 p.m., at Nefesh B'Nefesh, Azrieli Circle Tower, 10th floor, Tel Aviv. Entrance is free. Advance registration is required.

APRIL 26, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

There will be a special screening of the documentary 'God Speaks Yiddish' by the humorous Tuvia Tenenboim on April 29 at Nefesh B'Nefesh in Tel Aviv.

Bennett doubles down on mandatory haredi enlistment, blames current gov't for lack of IDF soldiers

"Draft evasion is costing the lives of our soldiers," the former prime minister said during an interview on Radio 103FM.

APRIL 23, 2026ByARIELLA ROITMAN

Naftali Bennett at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit Tel Aviv overnight, causing heavy damage, March 1, 2026.

Former PM Bennett backs civil marriage, public transport on Shabbat

Naftali Bennett’s remarks in favor of civil marriage and public transport on Shabbat draw praise from left-wing figures but face sharp criticism from haredi parties.

APRIL 20, 2026ByKESHET NEEV

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett at a conference in Jerusalem, February 17, 2026; illustrative.

Reservists Party vows to form Zionist government, discusses potential alliance with Gantz

The Reservists Party is working toward a Zionist government, with talks underway for a potential alliance with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White ahead of the 2026 elections.

APRIL 19, 2026ByKESHET NEEV

Yoaz Hendel, head of the Reservists’ Party, speaks during the party’s launch event ahead of the 2026 general elections, at Kibbutz Ma'ale HaHamisha near Jerusalem, November 19, 2025.

MK Boaz Bismuth attacked by haredi mob in Bnei Brak, affirms dedication to draft law

Israel Police intervened and removed Bismuth from the scene without injury.

APRIL 17, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

MK BOAZ Bismuth leads a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, in February 2026.

High Court clash exposes IDF manpower crisis, gov't stalling on haredi draft - editorial

Sunday's High Court hearing highlights the growing IDF manpower strain, as criticism mounts over government delays in enforcing haredi conscription.

APRIL 14, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) anti-draft protester holds a banner reading "Even those who do not learn in Yeshiva need to stay Jewish. It's forbidden to commit spiritual suicide in the IDF's crematoriums," during an anti-draft protest at the IDF's Jerusalem recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

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."

APRIL 12, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, HODAYA RAN

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.

'May God kill, destroy the judges,' Yitzhak Yosef denounces ruling restricting Western Wall prayers

Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef criticizes the High Court’s decision restricting Passover prayers at the Western Wall, calling the judges "heretics" and "Shabbat desecrators."

APRIL 5, 2026ByAVI SOLOMON