Haredim and the Draft

2+ day, 11+ hour ago   (765+ words) From a young activist in Ofakim to the most powerful haredi figure in Israeli politics — how Moshe Gafni shaped budgets, built institutions, and wielded influence without ever becoming a minister Over the years, Gafni's life story has been woven into…...

2+ day, 1+ hour ago   (353+ words) In Israel, the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are taking part in the elections to the 26th Knesset, scheduled for October 27. Their key priorities are protecting Torah study, funding religious institutions, and strengthening the role of the Orthodox…...

2+ day, 7+ hour ago   (1105+ words) Israel's two established haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ), are two of many vying for citizens’ votes in the elections for the 26th Knesset, which will be held on October 27. Shas was founded in 1984 as a Sephardi haredi…...

2+ day, 10+ hour ago   (1588+ words) As dynamics in Israel’s political sphere continue to shift rapidly, several key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and the opposition bloc have played significant roles. Following the October elections, the influence of these figures could change dramatically, depending…...

3+ day, 8+ hour ago   (485+ words) Something consequential is happening to Shas, the Sephardi ultra-Orthodox party that has been a pillar of Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition and, for decades, one of Israel’s most durable political forces. Shas won 11 Knesset seats in 2022. Recent polls put it around…...

3+ day, 10+ hour ago   (376+ words) In his first interview with haredi media, Yoram Cohen, number two on Gadi Eisenkot's party list, says door is closed to ultra-Orthodox parties unless they accept mandatory service for all citizens — even if it means repeat elections In his first…...

3+ day, 20+ hour ago   (285+ words) Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah, the factions comprising Ashkenazic-haredi United Torah Judaism (UTJ), are drafting an agreement ahead of a joint run in the upcoming Knesset elections. According to Behadrey Haredim, under the agreement, the two factions would commit to…...

4+ day, 10+ hour ago   (466+ words) The veteran ultra-Orthodox lawmaker bids farewell to parliament following a decision by leading rabbis, but will remain chairman of the Degel HaTorah movement Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah movement and a member of Israel's parliament for nearly four…...

4+ day, 14+ hour ago   (128+ words) Veteran Haredi politicians are losing favor with top rabbis, shaking up party slates. Meanwhile, new parties are outflanking the establishment on its left and right. But will they really be any different? A Haredi Political Revolt Is Brewing – and It…...

4+ day, 15+ hour ago   (989+ words) Ofer Winter, Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan offer sharply different visions for Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, but all would face rebuilding the IDF, exhausted reserves and the fight over Haredi conscription...