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.
Haredi exit from gov't pushes Netanyahu forward in election polls, survey finds
In this scenario, neither bloc has enough seats to form a government. The current coalition holds 53 seats, while the opposition, plus Bennett, totals 57.
Netanyahu must take the lead on the haredi draft issue - opinion
'My conscience is clear': Why MK Yuli Edelstein won't settle for a soft haredi draft - interview
Smotrich worse than secular Jews, haredi MK Gafni says
Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, Shas's Arbel rescinds resignation
Arye Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, despite Shas leaving government • Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to stay in role to complete 'urgent tasks'
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.
Netanyahu, Smotrich visit IDF haredi brigade, praises soldiers' willingness to serve
Netanyahu, Smotrich, and senior defense officials, met with soldiers and commanders at the training facility and received a briefing on the brigade's operations.
Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein for haredi parties staying in coalition
Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility” and refrain from toppling the government over their insistence to exempt at least half of eligible haredim from IDF draft.
Shas spiritual council to rule on leaving Netanyahu gov't on Wednesday
The ultra-Orthodox party's council said that Wednesday's meeting comes in the wake of "severe and unacceptable harm to the status of Torah students.”
Rabbis and Netanyahu’s draft‑exemption monster rips at Israel’s coalition - comment
After years of delay tactics and political bartering, the ultra‑Orthodox draft crisis has burst its cage, threatening to topple the government amid war.
'Three heroes, each one a whole world': Israel mourns loss of three fallen IDF soldiers
“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.
United Torah Judaism announces decision to quit gov't, coalition
The Sephardi haredi party Shas remained mum on Monday about whether or not it would join UTJ.
Arye Deri denies telling Shas MKs to prepare to leave gov't coalition in coming days
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.
